Forbid and Permit

I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.  Matthew18:18-20


I recently read a book entitled "Velvet Elvis," by Rob Bell, published last year (2005) by Zondervan. I found chapter two, Yoke, which is found on pages 40 through 69, to be some of the most thought provoking words I have read in some time. The author delves into the Jewish roots and context for the passages about Bind and Loose, such as Matthew 18:18-20 which I have included above.

The meaning of the words Bind and Loose can be better understood as meaning Forbid and Permit. So, when Jesus is giving Peter the "keys of the kingdom" what is really being said?

Since there is no literal key to open or close the kingdom of God, Jesus certainly is making a specific spiritual reference to open and close something. Jesus not only tells this to Peter (Matthew 16:19) but also later includes the other disciples as a group (Matthew 18:18-20).

Understanding that in Jewish Rabbinical tradition, Rabbi's would "Bind and Loose" spiritual practices - or actions that had spiritual impact. For instance, how far one could travel or what "work" was permissible on the Sabbath are examples of things that a Rabbi might clarify by either binding it, or loosing it.

Jesus, who is repeatedly referred to in the Gospels by both his disciples and those who approached him as teacher and rabbi, empowered the disciples to forbid and permit. The concept of bind and loose (or forbit and permit) specifically relates to a Rabbi (teacher) examining the scriptures and then making an interpretation as to whether or not something was/is permitted or forbidden. Further, the process usually involved a great deal of discussion within the community as to all facets of the topic at hand.

In other words, Jesus is giving the disciples, the directive to continue to interact with Scripture in order to help others to understand better how to live by God, for God, with God, and ultimately how to live for God's pleasure.

It makes sense then, that Jesus is promising in Matthew 18:18-20 to be actively involved in our discussion as as a community of believers as to how we should live. As our world has continued to develop and change, whether we admit it or realize it, there is a continual process of interacting with scripture as we seek to understand how to live for God in a modern day world.

Rob Bell references Jerusalem Perspective Online as an excellent source of information from some of the most knowledgeable scholars in the world on the Jewish context for the Scriptures.