In this episode, I examine one of the most controversial yet foundational passages in the New Testament—Jesus' promise to build His church in Matthew 16:18. Speaking at Caesarea Philippi, near a massive rock formation where pagans worshipped the god Pan and believed they had access to the underworld, Jesus makes His profound declaration after Peter's confession that He is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” I explore the context of this “Rock of the gods” where Jesus speaks of building His church on “this rock,” analyzing whether He refers to Peter, Peter's confession, or Himself. I clarify that the Greek distinguishes between Petros (small stone) and Petra (massive rock ledge), suggesting Jesus points to either Himself or Peter's confession as the foundation. Most encouragingly, I explain how “the gates of hell shall not prevail” means even death cannot defeat Christ's church, offering tremendous hope for believers as Jesus actively builds His ekklesia today.
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