When Jesus stated in Matthew 16:18-19, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church (ekklesia); and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”
The etymology of ekklesia is a compound of two segments: ek, a preposition meaning “out of,” and a verb, kaleo, signifying “to call” — hence, “to call out.”
In Greek society, the ekklesia was an assembly of people “called out” of the population. These people were responsible for declaring war, military strategy and electing the strategoi and other officials. It was responsible for nominating and electing magistrates (árchontes), thus indirectly electing the members of the Areopagus. It had the final say on legislation and the right to call magistrates to account after their year of office.
This was a powerful governing group of people.
A frame of reference must be established here, as we need to understand the “kingdom of heaven”. Jesus often spoke of his kingdom not being earthly. This talks of a spiritual kingdom. This is not a call to worldly arms or a suggestion to overthrow the earthly government. See more on that topic here.
He didn’t use the word synagogue, or temple. This was a commonly understood government term. The first century meaning of ekklesia when Jesus spoke these words would include an understanding of this governing definition. We, the church, are the people “called out” to GOVERN his kingdom.
Another important word to understand in this verse is gates. In those days, it was the entrance of the city, and also where business was done, meetings were held, disputes were settled, and important decisions and declarations were made. Essentially, where the government operated. It is also clearly discussed in the book of Job.
Keys in that time represented authority. Not many places had keys, as locks would be expensive. Keys were carried by high ranking people. If that person “bound” something, it would be LOCKED. If that person “loosed” or freed something, it would be FREE.
Read the above passage one more time with the historical backdrop, and let the meaning pour out of it. Jesus established his government on earth THROUGH US! Consider the kingdom of heaven power and authority (not earthly) he put behind it. I am thrilled to declare I am one of the living stones!