Christ is the rock; church built on faith in Christ; local congregations autonomous
Baptist theology reads Matthew 16:18 as affirming that the Church is built on Jesus Christ, not on Peter or any human hierarchy. Baptist ecclesiology rejects papal and episcopal authority structures in favor of congregational autonomy and democratic governance. Each local Baptist congregation is a complete church, autonomous in its governance while maintaining fellowship with other Baptist churches.
Baptist interpretation understands 'rock' as Christ or as Peter's confession of faith in Christ. This reading aligns with Baptist commitments to believers' church, regenerate church membership, and congregational independence—principles inherited from the Radical Reformation.
Key Distinctions
- Rock referent:
- Peter role:
- Christ alone; congregational autonomy affirmed
- Papal primacy:
- rejected; no papal or episcopal hierarchy
Scripture References
Sources
- Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article VI (The Church)
- John Smyth, The Character of the Beast (1609)