[Commentary from the Orthodox Study Bible page 1299-1300: Peter/rock is a
play on the word for “rock” in both Aramaic and Greek. This rock refers not to
Peter per se, but to “the faith of his confession” (St John Chrysostom.) The true
Rock is Christ Himself (1st Corinthians 10:4) and the Church is built on the
faithful confession of Christ. The term church is mentioned only twice in all the
gospels, here and in 18:17. This Church is the true Israel and the Body of Christ;
her citizenship is heavenly. Keys of the kingdom refers to a special authority
that will be given to both Peter and the other apostles after the Resurrection (see
18:18 and John 20:23). Peter was not a leader over the others, but among them.
This truth was confirmed at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) where the
apostles and presbyters met as equals, and where Peter advised, but James
presided. Binding and loosing is a reference primarily to the authority “to absolve
sins” (St John Chrysostom; see John 20:23) but also includes all the teaching,
sacramental, and administrative authority of the apostles. This authority was in
turn transmitted to the bishops of the Church and continues in effect to this day.]
play on the word for “rock” in both Aramaic and Greek. This rock refers not to
Peter per se, but to “the faith of his confession” (St John Chrysostom.) The true
Rock is Christ Himself (1st Corinthians 10:4) and the Church is built on the
faithful confession of Christ. The term church is mentioned only twice in all the
gospels, here and in 18:17. This Church is the true Israel and the Body of Christ;
her citizenship is heavenly. Keys of the kingdom refers to a special authority
that will be given to both Peter and the other apostles after the Resurrection (see
18:18 and John 20:23). Peter was not a leader over the others, but among them.
This truth was confirmed at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) where the
apostles and presbyters met as equals, and where Peter advised, but James
presided. Binding and loosing is a reference primarily to the authority “to absolve
sins” (St John Chrysostom; see John 20:23) but also includes all the teaching,
sacramental, and administrative authority of the apostles. This authority was in
turn transmitted to the bishops of the Church and continues in effect to this day.]