He said, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then Jesus replied, “Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you. I tell you that you are Peter. And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. Matthew 16:15–18 (CEB)
On one of my visits to Israel, we went to Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” It is noteworthy that he chose this place to declare that he would build his church. Here was the site known for the worship of Pan, a fertility god. The area had a sinister reputation. It was considered the gateway to the realm of the dead, or if you will, “the gates of hell.”
Why did Jesus choose this location? Why not the temple, or another sacred site? The Samaritan woman believed that religious things were done in religious locations. Jesus dismissed that notion by saying, But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. John 4:23 (CSB)
Jesus chose a pagan location to announce the building of his church. We can see how this aligns with his commission to us. And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15 (NLT). No part of the world, and no one is excluded. Jesus is building his church.
On the Offensive
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Matthew 25:34–36 (MSG)
Beginning about 50 or 60 years ago, many historic inner-city churches pulled up their roots and fled to the suburbs. Many urban locations were no longer deemed safe and suitable for “nice, decent people.” Some churches retained a presence in the inner-city, but the focus and mission shifted away from what had become “the gates of hell.”
Over the years, Jesus’ declaration that he would build his church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it, has been greatly misunderstood. Gates are defensive in nature. Gates do not attack anyone because they are either designed to keep people in or keep people out.
The operative word in the call to the church is “go.” Jesus was criticized about where he went, and with whom he associated. Notorious criminal, Willie Sutton said, “I rob banks because that’s where the money is.” Jesus commissioned us to storm the gates of hell, because that is where the lost and dying are to be found.
Jesus did not intend his church to be a place of safety and isolation. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:17–18 (NLT)
Power and Authority
One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1–2 (NLT)
Once again, we see Jesus commissioning and sending his disciples out. He did not send them out without resources. It requires power and authority to assault the gates of hell. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are no match for the powers of hell and darkness.
Jesus never withdrew power and authority from the church, but sometimes we need a reminder. Paul encouraged Timothy: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
As with the early church, our opponents use the tactics of fear and intimidation. They beat the apostles, imprisoned them, and warned them to stop speaking about Jesus. In the face of this they held a prayer meeting. They did not ask God to stop their opponents, instead they prayed:
“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29–31 (NLT)
It is time for us to remember that we have received power and authority to go along with our commission to preach the gospel and make disciples.
We Will Prevail
They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. Revelation 12:11 (CSB)
We can only imagine what must’ve been going through the minds of the disciples on that day and Caesarea Philippi. Jesus declared that he was going to build his church. He made the announcement right by a place of pagan worship.
History informs us that all of the apostles except for John died a martyr’s death. They endured not because of the strength of their character, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said he would build his church, and he gave us the power and authority to use his Name.
The building of the church continues today, and the powers of death and hell will not stop its advance.
Steve Ekeroth