Why do Catholics believe Peter
was the first pope?
We know they teach a works righteousness and commit idolatry with Mary,
but what about their false teaching of the pope?
1. The Roman Catholic church [system] sees Peter as the first pope on
which Christ would build His church [Matt. 16:18]. They teach that Peter is the
“rock.” Biblical Response: If one was to read Matt. 16:15-18 carefully
they would see that the rock which Jesus would build His church on was Peter’s
confession of faith. The Greek word for rock means “boulder” while Peter means “small
stone.”
2. They teach Peter had authority over the other Apostles. Biblical
Response: There is no teaching in Scripture where Peter in over the other
Apostles. There is no mention of the office of pope anywhere in Scripture [Eph.
2:19 -20; 4:11 -12; 1 Peter 5:1; or I & 2 Timothy or
Titus].
3. They teach that Peter became the first bishop of Rome Rome Babylon Rome
4. The Catholic system teaches that God passed Peter’s apostolic
authority to the following bishops which are referred to as “apostolic
succession.” Biblical Response: The office of Apostle ceased with the
death of John. Apostleship was foundational and temporary to the church [Eph. 2:19 -20; 4:11 -12]. Bishops in the NT were never over a
collection of churches but one church.
5. They teach that Peter and the following popes were infallible and can
guide the church without error. Biblical Response: Peter was not
infallible because Paul had to correct him in Gal. 2:11-13 in regard to
compromising with the Judaizers over circumcision. Peter was married [1 Cor.
9:5; Matt. 8:14 ] and
popes are not to marry according to Catholics. There is only one head of the
church and it is Jesus not the pope [1 Peter 2:25 ; 1 Tim. 2:5].
