Topical Encyclopedia
The "Power of Keys" is a theological concept rooted in the authority given by Jesus Christ to His apostles, particularly to Peter, as recorded in the New Testament. This authority is often understood as the ability to govern the affairs of the Church, including the administration of discipline and the forgiveness of sins.
Biblical FoundationThe primary scriptural basis for the Power of Keys is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In
Matthew 16:18-19 , Jesus addresses Peter: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This passage is pivotal in understanding the authority conferred upon Peter and, by extension, the Church.
Further elaboration is found in
Matthew 18:18 , where Jesus extends this authority to all His disciples: "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This indicates a collective responsibility and authority given to the Church's leadership.
Theological InterpretationThe Power of Keys is traditionally interpreted as encompassing several key functions:
1.
Teaching Authority: The Church, through its leaders, is entrusted with the responsibility to teach and uphold the doctrines of the faith. This includes the interpretation of Scripture and the preservation of apostolic tradition.
2.
Disciplinary Authority: The power to bind and loose is often understood as the authority to impose or lift disciplinary measures within the Church. This includes excommunication and reconciliation, ensuring the purity and order of the Christian community.
3.
Forgiveness of Sins: In
John 20:22-23 , Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld." This passage underscores the Church's role in the sacramental forgiveness of sins, a key aspect of the Power of Keys.
Historical Context and DevelopmentThroughout Church history, the Power of Keys has been a foundational element in the development of ecclesiastical authority. The early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, emphasized the importance of this authority in maintaining doctrinal purity and communal harmony.
In the medieval period, the concept was further developed, particularly within the Roman Catholic tradition, where it became closely associated with the papal office. The Pope, as the successor of Peter, was seen as the primary holder of the keys, with the authority to govern the universal Church.
Contemporary ApplicationIn modern times, the Power of Keys continues to be a significant aspect of ecclesial authority across various Christian denominations. While interpretations and applications may vary, the underlying principle of divinely granted authority to lead, teach, and maintain the spiritual well-being of the Church remains central.
The Power of Keys serves as a reminder of the Church's responsibility to faithfully steward the mysteries of God, ensuring that the message of the Gospel is proclaimed and lived out in accordance with Christ's teachings.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Power of KeysPOWER OF KEYS
SeeKEYS, POWER OF THE.
Library
Whether thePower of theKeys Extends to the Remission of Guilt?...
... OF THE EFFECT OF THEKEYS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether thepower of thekeys extends
to the remission of guilt? [*St. Thomas here follows...
Of thePower of theKeys (Three Articles)
... OF THEPOWER OF THEKEYS (THREE ARTICLES). We must now consider thepower of the
ministers of this sacrament, whichpower depends on thekeys....
Whether the Priest Can Bind through thePower of theKeys?
... OF THE EFFECT OF THEKEYS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the priest can bind through the
power of thekeys?... Therefore the priest cannot bind by thepower of thekeys....
In what Sense the "Keys" are Given to Peter, and Every Peter....
... that they do not prevail against him, receiving, as it were, for a prize, thekeys
of the kingdom of heaven, because the gates of Hades had nopower against him...
Of those on whom thePower of theKeys Can be Exercised (Three...
... OF THOSE ON WHOM THEPOWER OF THEKEYS CAN BE EXERCISED (THREE ARTICLES). We must
now consider those on whom thepower of thekeys can be exercised....
Whether a Man Can Use theKeys with Regard to his Superior?
... OF THOSE ON WHOM THEPOWER OF THEKEYS CAN BE EXERCISED (THREE ARTICLES)
Whether a man can use thekeys with regard to his superior?...
Whether There Should beKeys in the Church?
... OF THEPOWER OF THEKEYS (THREE ARTICLES) Whether there should bekeys
in the Church? Objection 1: It would seem that there is no...
Of the Distribution of theKeys, and theirPower, or of the...
... CHAP. II. Of the Distribution of theKeys, and theirpower, or of the severall
sorts thereof. THE ordinary Distribution of thekeys...
Whether Priests Alone have theKeys?
... a number of people together seem to have the key, because certain Chapters can pass
a sentence of excommunication, which pertains to thepower of thekeys....
Whether There are TwoKeys or Only One?
... OF THEPOWER OF THEKEYS (THREE ARTICLES) Whether there are twokeys or only one?
Objection 1: It would seem that there are not twokeys but only one....
Resources
What does the Bible say about the power of words? | GotQuestions.orgHow much power does Satan possess? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the power of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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