When you hear the word church, what picture comes to mind? Is it a stone building with a cross on top, pews inside, and stained glass windows? Or perhaps it is a lively Sunday gathering with music and preaching? These things may be associated with the church, but when Jesus first spoke the words, “I will build My Church” (Matthew 16:18 AMP), He was speaking of something far deeper.
The phrase is so short, yet it contains within it the very heart of God’s eternal purpose. His Church is not an institution, a club, a group or even a denomination. It is something that flows out of His death and resurrection. It includes the person of Christ, the new birth, the indwelling Spirit, the warfare with Satan, the vocation of believers, and the hope of His return. In one statement, Jesus gathered the entire weight of God’s plan into a single promise.
The Historical Setting of Matthew 16 #
To truly appreciate these words, we need to step into the world of the disciples. Jesus had taken them to Caesarea Philippi, a place famous for its pagan temples and idol worship. Surrounded by false gods and symbols of human religion, Jesus asked the question that still echoes today: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15 AMP).
Peter responded with Spirit-given clarity: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (v.16). To this confession, Jesus replied: “Upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
The “rock” here is not Peter’s personality or abilities, but the revelation of who Christ truly is. The Greek word ekklesia, translated “church,” literally means “called out ones.” In the ancient world, it referred to an assembly of citizens gathered for a purpose. Jesus redefined it: His Church would be a people called out of death, sin, and the world, built together in Him.
Each believer is a living stone joined to the Cornerstone, Christ Jesus.”
Peter’s Later Understanding: Living Stones #
At the time, Peter did not fully grasp what Jesus meant. Moments later, he even rebuked Jesus for speaking of His coming death (Matthew 16:22). But after the resurrection, the pieces came together. In his first letter, he wrote:
“Come to Him, the living Stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight. You also, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4–5 AMP).
Here, Peter explains that the Church is not built on human ability but on Christ as the living cornerstone. The Greek word lithos (stone) conveys something shaped and fitted for building. Christ is the cornerstone, and we are joined to Him as living stones. Together we form a spiritual house in which God dwells.
This was Peter’s mature understanding of Jesus’ words: “I will build My Church.” It is not a physical building but a people indwelt by God’s Spirit, set apart as His priesthood.
Paul’s Understanding: The Dwelling of God #
The Apostle Paul adds yet another layer. Writing to the Ephesians, he says:
“You are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19–22 AMP).
For Paul, the Church is nothing less than the dwelling place of God. In the Old Testament, God’s presence was found in the tabernacle and later in the temple. But now through Christ’s death and resurrection, and by the Spirit, God makes His home in His people.
Christ Himself is the Builder #
Notice carefully the subject of the promise: “I will build My Church.”
- Christ is the builder – not men, not committees, not institutions. Human effort may construct impressive organisations, but only the risen Lord can build the true Church. Acts 2:47 confirms this: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
- The cross was in view – when Jesus made this declaration, the shadow of Calvary lay ahead. Yet He looked through death with confidence, knowing He would rise again. His words were an unshakable prophecy of victory. It is as though He said, “Let men and demons do their worst. I will still build My Church.”
This is why His Church is eternal. It is not built on shifting human plans but on the risen Christ who has conquered death.
Old Testament Foreshadowing #
The Old Testament is filled with images pointing to this reality.
| Old Testament Picture | Fulfilment in Christ |
|---|---|
| The tabernacle (Exodus) – God dwelling among His people | The Church as God’s dwelling by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22) |
| The temple in Jerusalem | Christ is the true temple, and His people as living stones (1 Peter 2:5) |
| The covenant community of Israel | The new covenant community of Jew and Gentile in Christ (Galatians 3:28) |
Each shadow pointed forward to the day when Christ would, by His resurrection life, form a people who are His dwelling place forever.
What Does This Mean for Us? #
If Christ is the builder, what does this mean for our daily lives?
- Rest in His work: The pressure to “make church happen” does not rest on our shoulders. Our role is to remain yielded to Him as living stones.
- Value spiritual formation over outward success: Numbers, buildings, and programmes may impress men, but Christ looks for hearts being shaped into His likeness.
- Stand firm against opposition: Jesus said, “The gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18 AMP). No scheme of death can destroy what Christ builds.
- Live as priests: Peter reminds us that we are a “holy priesthood” offering spiritual sacrifices—our worship, obedience, service, and love.
Built by Him, for Him #
Let us never reduce “church” to a weekly event or a building. It is the miracle of resurrection life. It is Christ gathering, shaping, and filling His people. He declared, “I will build My Church”, and He is still doing it today.
In Christ,
Godwin.
