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Jesus told Peter that the church would survive and thrive

Matthew 16:17-18 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (New International Version translation)

Bible passage: Matthew 16:17-18
Prophet: Jesus
Written: During the first century

In Matthew 16:17-18, Jesus told the Apostle Peter (Simon) that the church would not be conquered or wiped out by non-believers (as expressed by the phrase "gates of hell," or "gates of Hades," depending on the English translation). Within a few decades after the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter was able to see firsthand that the early Christians would endure great persecution. The church endured persecution for about three centuries within the Roman Empire, which did not legally recognize Christianity. But the church survived - and thrived - during the days of the Roman Empire, even though the empire itself disintegrated. Of all the religions that ever existed within the Roman Empire, it was Christianity that flourished to become the first religion to spread worldwide.

- Research and commentary by George Konig and Ray Konig of www.AboutBibleProphecy.com. Copyright © George Konig and Ray Konig. All rights reserved.

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