| Was
Peter the First Pope? A. The
resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has made headlines around the world in
recent days. The appointment of a new pope will continue to make news in the
days and weeks to come.B. Sprinkled throughout the news coverage are
references to Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ,as “the
original pope” and Benedict XVI being the 264th successor in a long line
of popes.C. Is that true? What can we
find in the New Testament to determine if Peter was the first pope?I. “In Later Times Some Will Depart
From the Faith”A. The of Jesus Christ isn’t
hard to find in the New Testament (Matt 16:18; 1Cor3:11; Eph 1:22-23; Jude 3;
Acts 11:26; 1Pet4:16; John 17:20-21;
Eph 4:3-6).B. The Holy Spirit warned that would be disrupted (Acts
20:27-31; 1Tim4:1-3; 2 Tim 4:1-4).II. The Historical Development of Roman
CatholicismA. The establishing of “presiding elders,”
“bishops,” “dioceses,” “metropolitans,” and
“patriatchs.”B. Pivotal consequences of the Council of Nicea in 325
AD.C. The rise of an “infallible” Pope, “Father of princes and
kings, Ruler of the world, Vicar of Christ.”Ill. Much-Needed Input From
the New TestamentA. The office of pope is never mentioned , unlike (Matt 10:1-4; Eph 4:11;
1Cor12:27-28)elders (Acts 14:23; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1-7) deacons (Phil 1:1;
1Tim3:8-13) evangelists (2 Tim 4:5).B. Christ alone is exalted as the of his church (Eph 1:22-23;
5:22-24; Heb 4: 15; 13:20; Matt 23:1-12; 2 Thes 2:3-4; Matt 4: 10).C. Was
Peter the first pope? Consider a few easily-discovered facts about Peter:1.
Peter was
(Matt 8:14; 1 Cor 9:5).2. As
an , Peter
didn’t exalt himself above other elders (1Pet5:1-2).3. Peter was most certainly (Matt 26:69-75;
Gal 2:14).4. Peter refused the of his fellow man
(Acts 10:25-26).D. In several
ways, would have been
more “qualified” to be the first pope than Peter!E. Thanks be to
God that we are not ! (2 Tim
3:16-17; 1Pet5:4; John 18:36; Heb 13:8; Matt 28:18-20). |
