Isaiah 22:20-22 And Papal Supremacy

• Introduction:

          -Roman Catholics argue in defense of Papal authority by noting the similarity of language structure in Matthew 16:19 and Isaiah 22:20-22. First of all, both of these passages make reference to a "key." Secondly, the text of Isaiah has a prime minister figure. Thirdly, there is similar wording of the actions of "opening and shutting" and "binding and loosing" found in both Isaiah 22:20-22 and Matthew 16:19. Catholics thus argue that this scenario prefigures Jesus Christ giving the Apostle Peter supremacy over His entire church. The logic of this alleged typology is based on a comparison of Peter to Eliakim, who was given the key to the house of David (Isaiah 20:22).

• Answering The Roman Catholic Typological Argument:

          1.) The Bible mentions a number of different sets of "keys" (Judges 3:25; Luke 11:52; Revelation 1:18; etc.). In fact, there is nothing in the context of Isaiah 22 demanding that it be paralleled with Matthew 16.
          2.) The context of this passage is about a male figure named Shebna (Isaiah 22:15). His position of authority was being revoked from him as a result of his pride. Shebna's position, which was only secondary to King Hezekiah, was being given to Eliakim. However, the Apostle Peter never replaced anybody.
          3.) If Isaiah 22:20-22 was a prophecy about the Apostle Peter being appointed as the first pope, then how would Roman Catholics explain Isaiah 22:25? The Apostle Peter was never removed or cut down. The interpretation of this prophetic passage from the Book of Isaiah is not applicable to the Roman Catholic Church because it would only prophecy the fall of the Papacy. This is inconsistent with the claims of modern-day Roman Catholic dogma, for it teaches the infallible preservation of Roman tradition.
          4.) The name of "Eliakim" literally means "God will raise up." It is a typology of Jesus Christ, not the Apostle Peter. Jesus is the one who will inherit the glorious, everlasting throne of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 22:23; Isaiah 9:6-7). He possesses the key of David (Revelation 3:7), which pertains to the promises of King David's throne. It is about the establishment and fulfillment of his kingdom. The phrase "house of David" is used within the context of his ancestral lineage. While the singular key of the household of David is pertinent to Israel (Isaiah 22:21-22), the plural keys of the kingdom of heaven are pertinent to the work of the church (Matthew 16:13-20).