Articles
What Does “the Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against it” Mean?
What Does “the Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against it” Mean?
Bob Oliver
This question comes from Jesus’ statement in Matthew 16:18. The text reads: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Peter had just confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus said He would build His church. Then he included that even the gates of hell, representing His death, would not prevent His building of His church. While Satan might see that he would be tortured to death on the cross, He would be victorious and the church would be established. His death would not frustrate His plan, but His death was a part of His plan. He had to die for us as a sacrifice. It was His blood that purchased the church. Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
