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.
So then, does the Catholic church pick the new pope by lottery?
The new pope is usually picked after the old one dies.
That’s not how it happened in Acts. It was Peter who proposed picking a man to replace ANOTHER disciple, not even himself.
Nor is there a record of selecting someone to replace any of the other 10 apostles when they were martyred.
So the whole basis for the RCC’s claim for apostolic succession for picking a replacement for Peter is built on very thin ice.
And there are an equal number of passages that show Peter was not the Primary Apostle as designated by the RCC.
Did Peter have a leadership role? Yes he did. That is obvious from the text. But was he the primary one? No.
Part of this problem is that the RCC has focused exclusively on this account in Matthew and has ignored the other two accounts in Mark and Luke. All three of the accounts of the exchange include the questions Jesus asked regarding who did the people say He was. All three have Peter saying that He was the Christ, the Christ of God or the Son of the Living God.
So what is the primary focus of these three texts? That Christ is the Son of the Living God. That's the message. That's the foundation.
The instructions given to Peter by Christ are secondary to the main point....that the church is built upon Christ. It is the key to the kingdom.
How do you enter the kingdom of God?
Is it on the apostles? No.
Is it on profession of faith in Christ? Yes. It's the key!
Peter was to present to Gospel to the Jews first, which we see he did faithfully in the opening chapters of Acts. Paul was to present to the Gentiles...which he did.
Now, we are ALL responsible for sharing the Gospel as moved by the Holy Spirit.
1. 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.
the sheep were the jewish people.
2. 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.
And at the Council of Jerusalem it was the advice of James that they followed...not Peter's. Acts 15:1-23
Peter had to be corrected by Paul. Gal 2:11-14
Jesus chose John to take care of Mary....not Peter.
Gal 2:9 James, Peter and John....notice that James is listed first.
2 Peter 3:14, Peter calls Paul beloved brother.
Gal 1:18 Paul visits Peter to become acquainted with him. The greek word used for acquainted does not indicate anything other than just what it was...a getting acquainted meeting.
Peter would not allow anyone to bow down to him unlike the more recent and current popes...no kissing rings and such.
Peter always, always pointed everything he did to Christ. It was never reflected back on him.
Faith in Christ always was, is, and always will be the key to entering Heaven.