Was Peter the “rock” on which the church was built? Matt. 16:18, JB: “I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.” (Notice in the context [vss. 13, 20] that the discussion centers on the identity of Jesus.) While it is true that verses 13 and 20 concern the identity of Jesus, it doesn’t automatically follow that everything in between must pertain to Jesus too, especially if he specifically addresses Peter and talks to him. The immediate context of verse 18 is this: what was the primary question Jesus was asking?
who was He?
Peter gave the correct answer and Christ noted that Heaven had revealed this to him. And it was upon this rock, this confession of Peter that Christ was the Son of God that the Kingdom of Heaven is built.
No where does the Bible call Peter the primary apostle as does the RCC. You are attempting to read something into the text that isn't there.
Paul and Peter were considered equals. Paul never said Peter was primary or the other way around.
Peter did play a very, very important role in the early church as Christ promised. The keys to the kingdom was the Gospel: Christ being the Son of God and faith in Him alone for salvation. This is what he preached all the time in Acts.
When Cornelius attempted to bow before him Peter told him to get up for he was just a man....contrast that with the actions of the pope.
Peter stumbled by not eating with the Gentiles when pressured by the Jews and Paul had to correct him.
Did the apostles and prophets pass on the message of Christ? Sure they did. You always need new leaders as the old die out. But here is the difference in the Bible and the RCC. The Bible shows that all can understand the Gospel. All can share the Gospel.
Have you ever shared the Gospel with anyone and seen how the Lord works in their life? Or are you just relying on a priest to do the heavy lifting?
No where does the Bible call Peter the primary apostle as does the RCC. You are attempting to read something into the text that isn't there.There are at least two other passages that show Peter's designted leadership if one puts aside the Gentile mind and considers what the LORD Jesus taught the Jewish apostles. I think one has to be willfully blind and obstinate to deny the truth that Jesus chose Peter to be the leader.
- 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
- And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Now you KNOW that Rome has a slightly, ahem, different take on this!
Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."