Understanding Matthew 16:18 and Its Significance for the Church Today
When Jesus declared, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18), He uttered words that have shaped Christian identity for centuries. Yet, the depth of His statement often gets lost in translation—literally and culturally. For believers and church leaders seeking to follow Jesus faithfully, rediscovering what He truly meant by “church” is essential for living out His mission today.
The Context of Matthew 16:18
Matthew 16:18 is set against the dramatic backdrop of Caesarea Philippi, an area known for its pagan worship and caves associated with the underworld—the so-called “gates of Hades.” Here, Jesus first draws out Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This revelation is pivotal. Immediately after, Jesus responds with His own revelation: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” These two great truths—the identity of Christ and His intent to build His church—are inseparable. Jesus is essentially stating that His followers, bound together by faith in Him, will form a community so resilient that even death and the powers of evil cannot defeat it.
The Modern Definition of ‘Church’
Today, when most people hear the word “church,” they think of a building with a steeple, a place where people gather for religious services, or perhaps an organization with clergy, programs, and a calendar of events. Dictionaries often define “church” as “a building for public Christian worship” or “an organized body of religious believers.” This association with physical places and institutional structures has become deeply ingrained in Western culture. For many, “going to church” means attending a service or entering a sacred space. But was this what Jesus had in mind?
The Etymology and Original Language
Digging into the original language of the New Testament reveals a different picture. The English word “church” comes from the Old English “cirice,” which traces back to the Greek “kuriakon” (meaning “of the Lord” or “the Lord’s house”). However, in Matthew 16:18, Jesus did not use “kuriakon.” Instead, the Greek word recorded in the Gospel is “ekklesia.”
“Ekklesia” was not a religious term in Jesus’ day. It was borrowed from Greek civic life, where it referred to a public assembly of citizens called out to govern the affairs of a city-state. The Aramaic equivalent, which Jesus likely spoke, carries the sense of a summoned gathering. Over the centuries, as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire and beyond, the meaning of “ekklesia” gradually shifted. By the time of later translations and church history, “ekklesia” became associated with “kuriakon,” and thus with buildings and rituals rather than a community of people called together for a purpose.
What Did Jesus Actually Say?
When Jesus said, “I will build my ekklesia,” He was not envisioning cathedrals or denominations. He was declaring that He would establish a people—a called-out assembly—who would represent His reign on earth. The ekklesia was a legal, ruling body with authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the community. Jesus’ use of this term signaled that His followers would be agents of His kingdom, empowered to bring His light into the world and withstand the forces of darkness. This understanding shifts the focus from “where” church happens to “who” the church is and “what” the church does.
Implications for Believers Today
Why does this matter? If we misinterpret Jesus’ intent, we risk reducing church to a place we attend or an event we observe, rather than a living movement we embody. When the church is seen primarily as a building or institution, it can become passive, inward-looking, and disconnected from its mission. But if we recover Jesus’ original meaning—ekklesia as a called-out, empowered community—our understanding and practice of church is transformed. Church becomes about people gathered in Christ’s name, sent into the world with His authority, and united in purpose to advance His kingdom. This calls believers and leaders to re-examine traditions, structures, and priorities, ensuring that they align with Jesus’ vision rather than cultural expectations.
Conclusion: Rediscovering and Living Out the True Ekklesia
Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:18 are an invitation to rediscover what it means to be His church. It is not about buildings or rituals, but about being a resilient, purposeful community—His ekklesia—prevailing against darkness and embodying His love and authority. For Christians today, embracing this original intent is crucial. It challenges us to move beyond mere attendance or affiliation, and to become active participants in the ongoing work of Christ in the world. As we align ourselves with Jesus’ vision, we experience the fullness of what He promised: a church that even the gates of Hades cannot overcome.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 