This paper investigates the book of Matthew and Peter’s confession of Jesus. This passage has traditionally been seen as Peter displaying his authority on how he had received from the Lord the key to heaven, and how this authority impacts both heaven and earth. Furthermore, this authority is passed onto the Catholic Pope, and how the leader of the church has the authority over man as to whether or not they are able to be saved. This approach to this passage from Matthew has received criticism as the historical-critical methods to understanding religion have become more developed. The criticism came from specific scholars who states that the book of Matthew adds additional content compared to the parallel passage from the book of Luke and argues that this passage was not the world of Jesus, but added by the church to give itself further privileges and authority. Hence, this passage can be interpreted as an addition to the scripture to give the Catholic Church additional authority. However, further investigation and research into the book of Matthew has revealed that Peter’s confession was not something made up by the church, but does in fact have its origins historically to Jesus. In addition, Jesus prophesized that the church will be raised above Peter’s confession and that the church will have authority which cannot be defeated by sinful forces thus enforcing the fact that this authority has the power to impact things on earth which then has the same effect in heaven. However, this authority that the church has is not one which determines the fate of its followers. This is because the authority to lock and free the gates to heaven from earth is not one that has authority over its followers, but refers to the ability and authority to spread the word of Jesus accurately. Thus, this passage can be interpreted as being that the church has the authority to spread the word of Jesus and not the authority which dictates the fate of followers by determining whether or not they will be saved, cursed or blessed by the church. Hence, the church has the responsibility of interpreting the bible according to the current times, and spreading this message accordingly to all its followers.