PRIMACY OF THE APOSTLE PETER IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 16,18-19

Abstract

The paper discusses the problem of the proper interpretation of the Petrine text from the Gospel of Matthew 16,18-19. It is based on the mainly protestant but also orthodox and catholic commentaries to these verses. Jesus Christ bestowed on the apostle Peter the unique and supreme authority in the Kingdom of God. He changed his name from Simon to Peter to show him and others that this apostle received new dignity and mission, which is to be the rock for the future community of believers. What is more, Jesus also entrusted to Peter the “Keys of the Kingdom” in the same way like in the Old Testament king of the house of David appointed his own prime mister, royal steward by giving to him the “Key of the House of David”. Therefore Peter occupies the same office with the same supreme authority  under the new jewish king, Jesus Christ. Due to this fact it also means that this office is transferred from one prime minister to another. Furthermore, to Peter was given the power of “binding and loosing” with the special protection of God called infallibility. For these reasons, the Catholic interpretation which does not ignore the jewish context and the Old Testament allusions to this passage is truly shedding the new light on the proper interpretation of this Matthew’s fragment and the role of the Apostle Peter.