The Interpretation of Matthew 16:18: Catholic vs. Baptist Perspectives

Matthew 16:18 is one of the most debated verses in Christian history. It reads:
"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."
The interpretation of this verse has profound implications for ecclesiology—the doctrine of the church. The Catholic Church sees it as foundational proof that Jesus established His church upon Peter, making him the first pope. Protestants, while recognizing Peter’s importance in church history, generally reject the papal implications of the verse. Baptists, in particular, take a doctrinal approach, interpreting the "rock" not as Peter himself but as the confession Peter made in the previous verse: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16).

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