I think it does to the extent that one identifies the Church by the visible sign of unity, which is the successor of Peter. The Church did nothing without unity with Peter, and we know the true church by those who are in unity with his successor. So, if one wants to find the “church” to which the dispute should be taken, then one will look for the successors of the Apostles, and those under his authority, given by God.
True, its a great elaboration. I’m sorry I should have elaborated a bit. So lets for a moment.
guanophore, lets go back to Isaiah 22 for a minute or two. Since its in my mind. Here’s my understanding…
This is the Key of David. Which gives David Prime Ministry over his followers. The Key to the House of David in Isaiah.
Now in Matthew the Key, is the Key of the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus when Matthew opens up he starts out with the Genealogy of Jesus. So Matthew takes us through the genealogy till he comes to King David. Up to just this point much could be said, however this isn’t the context of this thread. Now, whats been established here is Christ is the one in direct line with David.
OK, so we arrive at King David, who had the Keys, but as we see here this is the connection now to Jesus Christ. Does Jesus Christ need to keep these Keys? Of course not, He has them because He is in direct line of David and of human/Divine nature.
Jesus is not staying here, he don’t need the Keys, He needs to pass the Keys just as God the Father did.
However, David was human not Divine. He was Gods Prime Minister on earth which is why He held the Keys. He was chosen by God. Which of course now Jesus holds for a moment.
Jesus in 16:17-18 states to Peter the reason why Peter is chosen. I don’t “think” it is because he was the best Apostle qualified, however his faith as Jesus knows, could have only been revealed by God the Father as He states here at this point. This is the “why” to Peter obtaining the Keys. Which has absolutely nothing to do with earthly qualification here. We all have a date stamped on us, which we do not know. God certainly knew how the St. Peter story ended from his moment of Birth.
Ok, so now we reach the dialogue of “Rock” much has been gone over in here so there’s no need to rehash. However my point is 16:19…
Now Jesus holds right now at this moment the Keys, and this what He states…
I will entrust “YOU” [Peter] the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever “YOU” [Peter] declare bound on earth will be bound in Heaven. Whatever “YOU” [Peter] declare loosed on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.
Ok…so Jesus specifically states [Three Times] “You” in direct referrence to “Peter”. There can be no-mistake here.
THEN…
He [Christ] orders “His Disciples” [NOW he is speaking to “ALL” the Disciples!] not to tell anyone He is the Messiah. Here as we see He was speaking to all the Apostles, before He was not. It was the “you” Peter [three-times].
Thus the Keys of David which is the Prime Ministry is picked up by Jesus, then given to Peter directly. Jesus has no need to hold this aspect of humanity/flesh. He desires a Prime Minister. And that my brother from my understanding is St Peter.
What is your understanding here? I could go on with “three” and Peter, however I just really wanted to bring to light this point for the moment.
Peace