And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is playing with words here, linking Peter's given name, "Rock," with the "rock" upon which He will build His Church. This isn't about Peter's personal authority, but about the steadfast faith that Peter's confession represents – the very truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus asked his disciples who people thought he was, and then who they believed him to be. Peter famously confessed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." In response, Jesus declared that Peter's confession was a divine revelation and that on this foundation—the truth that Jesus is the Messiah—He would build His church, which the forces of evil would never overcome.
Jesus famously declared, 'On this rock I will build my church.' But what is this 'rock'? Is it Peter himself, his confession, or something else entirely?
The passage in Matthew 16:18 is pivotal, and much ink has been spilled debating its meaning. While Jesus does give Simon the name 'Peter' (meaning rock or stone), the primary interpretation supported by the broader biblical narrative is that the 'rock' refers to the truth Peter just confessed: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus' promise that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' is an astonishing declaration of divine power. What does this mean for the church facing opposition?
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This powerful phrase, 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,' speaks to the ultimate invincibility of Christ's church. The 'gates of hell' represent the forces of evil, death, and the adversary – all the schemes, powers, and machinations that oppose God's kingdom.
Understand the original words
Petros · Greek Noun
A common Greek name meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' In this context, it functions as a title given by Jesus to Simon, signifying his foundational role in the apostolic witness.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
A term representing the assembly or community of the people of God, gathered by the gospel. Biblically, it refers not to a building but to the people belonging to God in Christ.
hadēs · Greek Noun
Literally 'Hades,' often used in the New Testament to represent the realm of the dead or the powers of death and evil opposing God's kingdom. Its mention implies that no power, not even death itself, can ultimately overcome Christ's body.
Jesus' declaration in Matthew 16:18 occurred in the Gentile region of Caesarea Philippi, a symbolic location far from Jerusalem. This context underscores that the Church Jesus envisioned was not merely an extension of Judaism but a new, divinely established community intended for all nations, built on a confession of faith that transcended its original cultural and religious boundaries.
c. 27 BC - AD 14
Reign of Augustus
Rome, under its first emperor Augustus, established a period of relative peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. This era saw significant infrastructure development and Roman influence spread throughout the Mediterranean world, creating the political and social context for the spread of new ideas.
c. 28-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Galilean Teaching
Jesus began his public ministry, teaching and gathering disciples throughout Galilee. His message of the Kingdom of God and his miracles challenged existing religious and political norms, leading to growing crowds and increasing attention from authorities.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Journey to Caesarea Philippi
Jesus led his disciples on a journey north to the region of Caesarea Philippi, a city known for its Greco-Roman culture and pagan associations. It was during this time, away from the crowds and familiar Galilean settings, that Jesus asked his pivotal question about his identity.
c. 30-33 AD
Peter's Confession of Faith
In response to Jesus' question, Peter declared, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' This profound declaration was a turning point, affirming Jesus' divine identity and purpose.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Declaration to Peter
Jesus responded to Peter's confession by declaring the establishment of his Church, using the imagery of Peter ('rock') as a foundation stone and promising that the 'gates of hell' would not prevail against it. This marked a significant prophetic statement about the future of his movement.
c. 40s-60s AD
Early Church Growth and Expansion
Following Jesus' ascension, the early Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, began to grow rapidly. Key figures like Peter and Paul played crucial roles in spreading the gospel message to both Jewish and Gentile communities, facing opposition but demonstrating the resilience promised by Jesus.
This passage directly states that Jesus Christ is the only foundation on which the church can be built, clarifying the ultimate basis of the church's stability.
Ephesians 2:20This verse speaks of the church being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone, highlighting the foundational role of apostolic teaching and Christ's centrality.
1 Peter 2:4-5Peter himself refers to believers as 'living stones' built up into a spiritual house on Christ, the 'living Stone,' connecting his own confession and role to the broader building of the church on Christ.
Isaiah 28:16This Old Testament prophecy, also quoted in the New Testament, identifies a specific 'stone' laid in Zion as a sure foundation, which is understood to be Christ, underscoring the divine assurance of the church's foundation.
barnesMatthew 16:18: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter - The word "Peter," in Greek, means "a rock." It was given to Simon by Christ when he called him to be a disciple, John 1:42 Cephas is a Syriac word, meaning the same as Peter - a rock, or stone. The meaning of this phrase may be thus expressed: "Thou, in saying that I am the Son of God, hast…
calvinMatthew 16:13-19: "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"
- And when Jesus came to the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am? 14. And they said, Some [say,] John the Baptist; and other, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15. He saith to them, But who do you say that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Chri…
Jesus is playing with words here, linking Peter's given name, "Rock," with the "rock" upon which He will build His Church. This isn't about Peter's personal authority, but about the steadfast faith that Peter's confession represents – the very truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
Just before this, Jesus asked his disciples who people thought he was, and then who they believed him to be. Peter famously confessed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." In response, Jesus declared that Peter's confession was a divine revelation and that on this foundation—the truth that Jesus is the Messiah—He would build His church, which the forces of evil would never overcome.
Just before this, Jesus asked his disciples who people thought he was, and then who they believed him to be. Peter famously confessed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." In response, Jesus declared that Peter's confession was a divine revelation and that on this foundation—the truth that Jesus is the Messiah—He would build His church, which the forces of evil would never overcome.
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." — Jesus is playing with words here, linking Peter's given name, "Rock," with the "rock" upon which He will build His Church. This isn't about Peter's personal authority, but about the steadfast faith t…
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Last reviewed October 2026