Eph 2:20 and the authority of Peter

[Catholicwoman11]

I am making an argument for the papacy to someone and they brought up Eph 2:20 as reason for there being several foundations since the NAB version says “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone”. The person with whom I am having the disagreement states that this means that Peter was not alone in being the rock, and was not given authority. He states that in Matt 16:18, Jesus is stating that He himself is the rock upon which He will build His church.

I have countered with the fact that later in Matt 16:19, Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom. This is what was done in the Davidic Kingdom (which of course was promised the divine covenant that brought forth Jesus). You can read about this in Isaiah 22:15-24. This authority was given to ONE man, not several. But I am still having issues with how best to explain Eph 2:20.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[rdscheirer]

Agree- no wishy-washy about “THE ROCK”.

 

[JM3]

RSV

Ephesians Chapter 2

19: So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20: built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
21: in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;
22: in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Taken in context, verse 20 has nothing to do with the authority of Peter.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I am making an argument for the papacy to someone and they brought up Eph 2:20 as reason for there being several foundations since the NAB version says “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone”. The person with whom I am having the disagreement states that this means that Peter was not alone in being the rock

I agree with the singularity of Peter being Rock (see also John 1:42 which is often overlooked). I might also say that indeed the apostles and prophets are a foundation. Agree with that. But nowhere in the Eph 2:20 verse does it say there must therefore be authoritative equality among those in the foundation. Your colleague is injecting words and theology into the text.