Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Matthew 16:18. It’s a really important and profound statement about Jesus’ leadership and the future of his church. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is saying: “I am Peter, and I’m building a really strong church with me.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "I say also unto thee…" : This is a formal greeting, like when you address someone. It's showing Jesus is serious about what he's saying. “…That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” : This identifies Jesus as Peter – one of his closest followers and the first leader of the early Christian community. “Upon this rock” means that Jesus sees himself as the foundation or core of his church. "...and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." : This is the most important part. "Gates of hell" refers to temptation, evil, and opposition – anything that could try to bring down the church. “Shall not prevail” means it won’t succeed. It's a powerful statement about Jesus’ ability to overcome challenges. What does this mean in practical terms? This verse speaks to several important truths: Jesus is a strong foundation: He’s not just any leader; he's built something incredibly resilient and enduring. He’s protecting his church: The "church" represents the body of believers – all those who are following Jesus. His church is shielded from harm and opposition. It’s a promise of victory: It’s not just about survival ; it’s about being victorious over evil and temptation. Why is this verse important? It’s often interpreted as a reminder that: Jesus is always in control: He's actively working to protect and strengthen his church, even when things are tough. We need to trust in Jesus: Because he’s building something so strong, we can be confident that he will ultimately win the battle against evil. In short, it’s a declaration of faith and hope – that Jesus is firmly established and will triumph over all opposition. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Expand on the meaning of "the gates of hell"? Discuss the significance of “this rock”? Compare it to other stories about Jesus' leadership?