Are the ‘Gates of Hell’ Prevailing?

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus proclaimed: “And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (KJV)

 

Jesus’ words here seem pretty clear, don’t they?

 

Then why is so much of the church (here in America and in Western Europe, at least) in such shabby shape and has lost so much influence in society and its young people in droves, etc.—according to the experts?

 

Is the problem here, perhaps, that the King James Version is a mistranslation?

 

That is, the Greek word KJV translates as “hell” is actually Hades, and in Jesus day and time Hades was the temporary, afterlife holding place of the souls of both the righteous and unrighteous dead awaiting resurrection.

 

That Hades certainly was not our “hell,” won’t you agree?

 

Then is “hell” another possible application of this verse?

 

What do you think?

 

FOR MORE INSIGHTS:  click on “Our Teachings” and the topics “Hell” and “Rapture.”