10 But your children were not conquered even by the fangs of venomous serpents, for your mercy came to their help and healed them. 11 To remind them of your oracles they were bitten, and then were quickly delivered, so that they would not fall into deep forgetfulness and become unresponsive to your kindness. 12 For neither herb nor poultice cured them, but it was your word, O Lord, that heals all people. 13 For you have power over life and death; you lead mortals down to the gates of Hades and back again. 14 A person in wickedness kills another, but cannot bring back the departed spirit, or set free the imprisoned soul.

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but 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 overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” 20 Then he instructed his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.