What Are "the Keys of the Kingdom"? The Bible's Answer

"The Keys of the Kingdom," sometimes called the "the Keys to the Kingdom," represent the authority to open the way for people to "enter into the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 16:19,  The New American Bible;  Acts 14:22) Jesus gave Peter "the keys of the Kingdom of the heavens."  This means that Peter received the authority to unlock information about how faithful people, by receiving God's holy spirit, could enjoy the privilege of entering the Kingdom of the heaven.

For whom were the  keys used?  

Peter used the authority from God to open the way for three groups to enter the Kingdom: 

1. Jews and Jewish converts. Shortly after Jesus' death, Peter encouraged a crowd of Jewish believers to accept Jesus as the one selected by God to rule the Kingdom. Peter showed them what they must do to get saved. He thus opened the way for them to enter the Kingdom, and thousands  "accepted his Word." - ACTS 2:38-41. 

2. Samaritans.  Peter was later sent to the Samaritans.  He again uses a key to of the Kingdom when he, along with the apostle John, "prayed for them to get holy spirit." (Acts 8:14-17) This opened the way for the Samaritans to enter the Kingdom.

3. Gentiles. Three and a half years after Jesus' death, God revealed to Peter that Gentiles (non-Jews) would also have the opportunity to enter the Kingdom. In response, Peter used one of his keys by preaching to the Gentiles, thus opening the door for them to receive the holy spirit, became Christians, and be prospective members of the Kingdom. - ACTS  10:30-35, 44, 45.

Next time: What Are "the Keys of the Kingdom"? - What Does it Mean to "enter into the Kingdom"? 

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