Bible Dictionary
KEYS, POWER OF THE
The power of the keys refers to Christ’s figurative promise concerning the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the authority to bind and loose. Christian interpreters have understood this as authority and responsibility concerning admission, teaching, discipline, and the church’s witness.
Biblical Usage
Matthew 16:19 connects the keys with Peter and with binding and loosing on earth and in heaven. Christian interpreters have understood the figure as relating to the kingdom’s teaching, entrance, forgiveness, and the church’s exercise of responsibility.