Answer: The word key in the Scriptures symbolizes that one who has been duly authorized, has the power to open something. We sometimes hear the expression, “He holds the key to the situation.” Peter was not given the keys of authority as to who would gain an entrance into heaven or not, but was given the privilege and authority of opening the message and work of the Gospel to the Jews, and later to the Gentiles.

He used the first key on the day of Pentecost, after the anointing of the holy spirit, when he opened the way for the Jews to enter into Christ’s Church, the Kingdom of heaven class (Acts 2: 14-40). Three thousand Jews entered in through this opened door on that very day (verse 41).

The second key was used three and one-half years later, when Peter opened the way for the Gentiles to enter into Christ’s Church. The Lord sent him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, who, accepting the message, and believing, became the first Gentile converts (Acts 10).

Thus we see that Peter used the “keys” referred to in this Scripture, and there will not be any occasion for them to ever be used again.

The ability to “bind” and “loose,” on earth and in heaven, while here expressed to Peter specially, applied to all of the Apostles. They were guided by divine inspiration, making their teachings infallible and authoritative. Whatever they bound upon the Church as duty or obligation, was bound in heaven; and whatever they loosed on earth, such as the obligations of the Mosaic law, were loosed in heaven.

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