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The bible does not say that Peter feared James! It says he feared "those of the circumcision," meaning James and his allies. One gets the sense that they were a bit of a mob. Anyway, Paul chastises him for *failing* to issue doctrine, not for issuing a false one. When we read about the case in Acts, we find that Peter issues a doctrine, and the rest of the apostles consent to it. Now if Peter doesn't rank above Paul, why doesn't Paul do correct them himself? Rather, Paul appeals to the authority (Peter) to issue decide the matter. Peter then corrects the bishop whose diocese it is (James), who then corrects his presbyters (priests). Rather than refuting the way the Pope does things, it is exactly the way the Pope does it! Notice: Peter proclaims doctrine; James declares discipline.

I've heard it claimed that since James calls what he says a "ruling," that James is authority, not Peter. It's a fair argument, but keep in mind, the doctrine came through Peter, who took authority on himself (as he was commanded by his vision of Jesus) to baptise the uncircumcized. James merely decides how to implement Peter's doctrine.

The bible does not say that Peter feared James! It says he feared "those of the circumcision," meaning James and his allies. One gets the sense that they were a bit of a mob.

I didn't get that sense (James the Righteous doesn't really come across as a mobster in Acts 15, but to each his own), but your point that he feared the Men of James come to Antioch frankly makes the matter worse... now we have a supposed "Pope" who is genuflecting not just to a mere bishop, but to the bishop's itinerant subordinates.

Are these the actions of one who himself holds administrative Supremacy in the Church? Put simply... no. They are not.

Anyway, Paul chastises him for *failing* to issue doctrine, not for issuing a false one. When we read about the case in Acts, we find that Peter issues a doctrine, and the rest of the apostles consent to it. Now if Peter doesn't rank above Paul, why doesn't Paul do correct them himself? Rather, Paul appeals to the authority (Peter) to issue decide the matter.

There's no record that Paul appealed to Peter(and we certainly have record of Paul "appealing to authority" in cases when he actually did so!).

Peter then corrects the bishop whose diocese it is (James), who then corrects his presbyters (priests).

Peter does not address himself to James. What is more, the presbyters, after listening to Peter say his piece on the subject, turn their attention to listen to Paul and Barnabas some more (Acts 15:12).

So what we have here... Paul and Barnabas speak. Then Peter speaks. Then Paul and Barnabas speak some more.

Then James rules his judgment upon the matter... and everyone does what James says. (James has spoken; the matter is at an end).