“THE GATES OF HADES” IN MATT 16:18?
Apr 16, 2019
READ TIME: 1 MINUTE
“Dave, in Matthew 16:18, what did Jesus mean when He referred to the “gates of Hades”?
I think the “gates of Hades” in Matt 16:18 does not mean, as some say, that the church is under demonic attack and somehow resisting and triumphing. Gates are always defensive. The battle between Satan and the church is for the eternal souls of mankind, and as Christians win the lost to salvation, they are snatched from entering the gates of Hades as “brands from the fire” (Jude 1:23). The issue is not Satan’s attack against the church, but rather Christ through His church snatching the souls of mankind from eternal death, Hades, and the lake of fire. Regarding the meaning of the Greek word katischusousin, Louis Barbieri’s suggestion is the most cogent of all. He points out that since the Lord’s passion is mentioned subsequently in the context, the Lord “Jesus was thus telling the disciples His death would not prevent His work of building the church” (His resurrection was the ultimate victory over the gates of Hades and assures the believer’s victory over death as well. As Peter and the Apostles were to proclaim this victory, the gates of Hades would not be able to withstand the attacks of the church as lost people are delivered from Satan’s grip and eternal death.”
SOURCES USED
Barbieri, Louis A., Jr. in John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, eds. The Bible Knowledge Commentary, pp. 57-58.
Olson, C. Gordon. Getting the Gospel Right: A Balanced View of Salvation Truth, p. 132.