Peter as the First Pope?
After I left the Roman Catholic institution for declaring its teachings unscriptural - I'm often told that the church is founded by St. Peter. It makes my eyes swirl just thinking of that claim that the Church was founded by Peter himself. What verses are often used? Matthew 16:18 says the following from the Good News Translation (GNT):
And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build My church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.
The distinction is already there yet Roman Catholics can't see it. Jesus already referred to Peter as "a rock" and pointed to what's clearly another rock as the foundation to where the Church will be built. Yet Roman Catholics still insist that the Church was built on Peter.
The chart above is silly for several reasons. Doesn't the maker of this chart realize the difference between you are Peter and upon this rock? I'm amazed at the stupidity that people get even with their reading comprehension. The GNT Roman Catholic translation is an even easier translation to read than the Authorized Version of 1611 commonly known as the King James Version or KJV. I always find the arguments trying to defend Peter's papacy to be pretty stupid.
May I remind Roman Catholics that I never saw Peter accepting homage from any man like the Pope does? We can see it in Acts 10:25-26. Peter himself was met by Cornelius who gave him homage. What did Peter do? Did Peter even accept the slightest bow? Instead, he did the opposite and told Cornelius to stand up.
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Yet the Popes have been receiving worship from people which Roman Catholics don't say is worship. They say that they only respect the Pope as they respect the authorities. The problem is that they are bowing down to the Pope as if he's the sole vicar of Christ and Jesus Christ on Earth. Bowing down isn't necessarily worship. However, Roman Catholics tend to give deeper respect for the Pope than they would for their country's leaders. Some Filipino Roman Catholics got too irritated when Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte cursed the Pope with bad language. Aren't they supposed to pray for their president as Romans 13:1-7 says?
Roman Catholics would also say that maybe Peter was really just "out of town" as to why his name wasn't mentioned. Yet, even if Peter was out of town, wouldn't Paul be inconsiderate not to greet Peter and give his regards?
Roman Catholics would also say that maybe Peter was really just "out of town" as to why his name wasn't mentioned. Yet, even if Peter was out of town, wouldn't Paul be inconsiderate not to greet Peter and give his regards?
Also, Peter never addressed himself so magnificently like the Popes. A study of 1 Peter and 2 Peter reveals these verses:
1 Peter 5:1-4
I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you 2 to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. 3 Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness.
2 Peter 1:1
From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ - To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours:" I don't see Peter calling himself as the servant but as a servant. He doesn't elevate himself at all.
Besides, the Roman Catholic tradition (which I believe is actually real) is that Peter actually requested to be crucified downward. Peter said he isn't worthy to die like his Lord. Just think Peter would've said he wasn't worthy to die like Jesus. However, the Popes have long claimed to be the Vicars of Christ. Peter never addressed himself highly above others, never claimed to save souls like the priests of Rome, and only pointed people to Jesus. Peter never claimed anything special about himself unlike the Popes of Rome.