A. The first refers to the administration committed personally to Peter, with reference to the “Kingdom of the heavens.” The second to disciples — “two or three” gathered together in Christ’s name, and connected with the “Assembly”; and valid at any time for two or three thus gathered.
In both cases it is “whatsoever” — thus not referring solely to persons; though slightly differing in form of expression.
To Peter was given — and to him alone of the Twelve — the administration of the kingdom of the heavens, brought in in its “mysteries” (Matt. 13), and commencing at the ascension of the Lord. This power he used, as the first great division of Acts testifies (Acts 1-13). He directed the choice of Matthias, Acts 1; he opened the door to the Jews, Acts 2; he bound Ananias’ and Sapphira’s sin on them, Acts 5; was chief in directing the choice of deacons, Acts 6; discerned Simon the sorcerer’s state; and with John communicated the Holy Spirit, in Acts 8. He opened the door to the Gentiles, Acts 10; he was one of the chiefest speakers in the conference about the law, in Acts 15, &c. Whatsoever he did under heaven’s authority, heaven ratified. Though Peter did not do all heaven did, for all that! This authority and commission was given to none of the apostles but him, and it ended there. This administration was continued to none.
The passage in Matthew 18:1818Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18) is authority to the “assembly,” and applicable to any “assembly” which scripture authorizes, though consisting of only two or three. It is continued to such. There is no individual authority in it at all. For making requests, and acting under heaven’s authority, the Lord was in the midst, and gave validity to what they did; though, like Peter, heaven might do, and did, a great deal more than the assembly.
It is of much importance to distinguish between the “Kingdom of the heavens,” of which the “keys” were committed to Peter; and the “Church” which Christ builds. It has been remarked that “men do not build with keys,” and the Church is built.
Words of Truth 5:97-99.