In this podcast, Jimmy Akin, a guest specializing in biblical interpretations and explanations, discusses the concept of binding and loosing in relation to Peter's authority in the church. He provides evidence to argue against the interpretation that Peter didn't have any special authority, and highlights various passages and Jewish idioms to support his argument.
Jesus singled out Peter and gave him a unique leadership role in the church, setting him apart from others.
The power of binding and loosing mentioned in the context of Matthew 18 refers to church discipline, not just preaching the gospel.
Deep dives
Authority of Peter
Contrary to the challenge that Peter did not have any special authority, the text and context indicate otherwise. While Jesus did give the power of binding and loosing to others, he also singled out Peter by giving him the name Peter or Rock, declaring him to be the rock on which he would build his church and giving him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. This unique leadership role assigned to Peter sets him apart from others.
Meaning of Binding and Loosing
The interpretation that binding and loosing merely refers to preaching the gospel does not align with the text and context. The concept of binding and loosing, when mentioned in Matthew 18, is in the context of church discipline, not evangelism. Additionally, the power of binding and loosing are two distinct and opposite abilities, not related to preaching the gospel. The phrase 'bind and loose' was an established Jewish idiom, referring to the ability to forbid or permit, make or abolish rules of conduct, as well as the power to absolve or refuse to absolve sins.
DAY 349
CHALLENGE
“Peter didn’t have any special authority, because Jesus gave the power of binding and loosing to others. This simply refers to the ability to preach the gospel and admit people to the kingdom, as Peter did with Jews on Pentecost (Acts 2) and Gentiles with the household of Cornelius (Acts 10–11).”
DEFENSE
This interpretation does not fit the text or the context.
First, while Jesus gave the power of binding and loosing both to Peter (Matt. 16:19b) and to others (Matt. 18:18), this wasn’t the thing that made Peter unique (cf. CCC 881). In addition to giving him this au…
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