. A piece of wood, from seven inches to two feet long, fitted with pegs which correspond to small holes in the bolt within; the key put through a hole draws the bolt. The symbol of authority to open or shut (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 1:18). A chamberlain's (eunuch) badge of office is often a key, hung by a kerchief "on the shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). The power of the keys was given to Peter and the other apostles only at times (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18) when, and in so far as, Christ made him and them infallible. Peter rightly opened the gospel door to the Gentiles (Acts 10; Acts 11:17-18; Acts 14:27), but he wrongly tried to shut it again (Galatians 2:11-18; compare Luke 11:52).