To start with, the Greek word, ecclesia, basically means a gathered community—no matter what kind of community it was. It only became translated as the Church because the Church is a gathered community. At this time, there was no church. In fact, the gathered community that was in Matthew’s mind was probably the synagogue.

Perhaps to honor earlier translations, most English translations render a couple of these promises in a way that misses what is actually said. In the KJV, for example, we read: “…whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” A casual reading of that sounds like whatever is decreed on earth must be followed in heaven. The meaning is the exact opposite. It is not that heaven must follow what is done on earth, but that what may be done on earth can only be that which has already been predetermined in heaven.

Another troubling promise is: “…if two of you agree on earth concerning anything asked, it shall be done for them…” Again, a casual reading of this seems to give authority to do anything a couple of Christians want. God is not going to give his careless children that kind of authority. True, whatever the assembled group agrees upon—to be God’s will—has no limitations. However, any two gathered has three people in it, thus Jesus has to be in agreement, too.