Christ gives the keys to St Peter (Matthew 16:13-20)

It was in the region of Caesarea Philippi that Christ first told his disciples that he was the long-foretold Messiah. At the same time, he also revealed his plan to found the Church, which was to be led by St Peter.

The Catechism explains: “Simon Peter holds the first place in the college of the Twelve; Jesus entrusted a unique mission to him. Through a revelation from the Father, Peter had confessed: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Our Lord then declared to him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Christ, the “living Stone”, thus assures his Church, built on Peter, of victory over the powers of death. Because of the faith he confessed Peter will remain the unshakeable rock of the Church. His mission will be to keep this faith from every lapse and to strengthen his brothers in it.”

It continues: “Jesus entrusted a specific authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The “power of the keys” designates authority to govern the house of God, which is the Church.” (Articles 552-553)

Catholics understand this governing power to have been passed on by St Peter to the long line of popes who have succeeded him. As a result, this story from St Matthew’s gospel is particularly important to the Church and has been pictured by countless artists.

This particular stained glass scene of Christ giving the keys to St Peter is typical of the Gothic Revival style. Produced by Hardman & Co. around 1890, it’s found within the sanctuary of St Peter’s, in Leamington Spa. The window is part of a four-part series tracing the story of St Peter, from his beginnings as a fisherman to becoming shepherd of the Church.

The scene speaks to the appointment of St Peter as the first pope, with Christ handing over the keys to his kneeling disciple. At the base, we see the phrase in Latin, Respondens Simon Petrus dixit: Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi, which is taken from Matthew 16:16. This refers to St Peter’s profession of faith in Christ as the Son of the Living God. Christ is flanked by six of the other apostles.

The set of windows complements a wider sanctuary scheme that celebrates the papacy, with panels of historical popes around the walls, and the full words of Matthew 16:18-19 inscribed in gold. In part, the artwork reflects the dedication of the church to St Peter. However, following Catholic Emancipation in England, it also emphasises the loyalty of the faithful to the Bishop of Rome.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
St Peter’s, Leamington Spa

Read the relevant passage
Matthew 16:13-20

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: In a similar way, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor as leader of Israel.
• From the New Testament: After his resurrection, Christ appointed St Peter as the Shepherd of the Church.