Introduction
In Matthew 18:18, Jesus Christ declares:
“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
This verse raises key questions: What is the biblical and theological meaning of “binding and loosing”? Does this authority apply to the Catholic Church today? To answer, we must explore its Scriptural background, early Church interpretation, and Catholic teaching.
1. Biblical Explanation of Matthew 18:18
The concept of binding (forbidding) and loosing (permitting) was well-known in Jewish rabbinic tradition. Rabbis exercised authority to interpret God’s law and apply it in community life.
-
Matthew 16:19 – Jesus first grants this authority specifically to Peter:
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” -
Matthew 18:18 – Here, the authority extends to the Apostles collectively, emphasizing the role of the Church in teaching, discipline, and forgiveness.
Thus, “binding and loosing” refers to authoritative teaching, governance, and sacramental discipline—with heavenly confirmation.
2. Theological Meaning
Theologically, this passage affirms that Christ entrusted His divine authority to His Church:
-
Doctrinal Authority: The Apostles, and their successors, could definitively teach and preserve true doctrine.
-
Sacramental Authority: The power to forgive sins (John 20:23) and administer discipline.
-
Ecclesial Unity: Binding and loosing prevents chaos in interpreting Scripture, ensuring one faith and one Church.
👉 This authority is not individualistic but ecclesial, exercised in communion with the Apostolic Church.
3. Catholic Church and Apostolic Authority
The Catholic Church sees Matthew 18:18 as part of Christ’s gift of authority to the Apostles, continued through apostolic succession in bishops and the Magisterium.
-
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):
-
CCC 553: The power of the keys is entrusted to Peter and the Apostles.
-
CCC 1444: “In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins, the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church.”
-
CCC 1445: The binding and loosing is exercised through the Sacrament of Penance and Church discipline.
-
4. Early Christian Witness
The early Fathers confirm that this authority was recognized and exercised in the Catholic Church:
-
St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110 AD):
“Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” (Smyrnaeans, 8)
→ Authority of bishops continues apostolic ministry. -
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180 AD):
“It is within the power of all to contemplate clearly in every Church the tradition of the Apostles manifested throughout the whole world.” (Against Heresies, 3.3.1) -
Origen (c. 250 AD):
Explained binding and loosing as both doctrinal authority and forgiveness of sins (Commentary on Matthew).
5. Protestant Objection vs Catholic Understanding
Some Protestant traditions see Matthew 18:18 as symbolic or limited to church discipline, denying its connection to sacramental authority. The Catholic Church, however, interprets it within the continuity of Apostolic Tradition.
6. Comparison Table
| Aspect | Catholic Church | Protestant View (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Binding & Loosing | Authority given to Apostles, continued through bishops & Magisterium | Symbolic authority for discipline within local congregation |
| Connection to Peter | Linked with the keys (Mt 16:19) and papal authority | No unique Petrine authority |
| Forgiveness of Sins | Exercised in Sacrament of Reconciliation (John 20:23) | Often seen as direct prayer to God without priestly mediation |
| Continuity | Apostolic succession ensures validity | Authority often tied to Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) |
Conclusion
Matthew 18:18 is not merely symbolic—it reveals Christ’s divine delegation of authority to His Apostles. This authority includes teaching, governing, and forgiving sins, and has been preserved through apostolic succession in the Catholic Church.
Thus, the Catholic Church today legitimately exercises the authority of binding and loosing, remaining faithful to Christ’s original intention for His one Church.
✝️ In short, Matthew 18:18 confirms that the Church founded by Christ is not a man-made institution but a Spirit-guided authority entrusted with heaven’s own confirmation.
Read also:
No comments:
Post a Comment