15Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?
Douay-Rheims
Peter and the Keys
Church authority and confession - Matthew 16
A Catholic study entry on Matthew 16 focused on Peter's confession, the keys, and the visible structure of the Church.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 16
16Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.
18And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.
Roman Catechism Reference
Part I, Article IX
Christ established a visible Church and entrusted real authority within it for teaching, governing, and the care of souls.
Cross References
Isaiah 22:22
The key motif provides an Old Testament background for stewardly authority.
John 21:15-17
Peter is charged to feed Christ's sheep.
Ephesians 2:19-20
The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles.