Was Peter truly the first Pope?

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A protestant pastor of mine says: The point to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, “upon this rock I will build my church.” Catholics say Jesus was referring to Peter because his names means “rock.” But the name Peter in Greek is “petras,” not “petra” which is used in the passage. Jesus was referring to the rock of Peter’s testimony which said, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” In addition, Peter was never seen as the first leader of the New Testament Church. Paul was clearly the most dominant of the first century apostles and he was never seen as a precursor to the Pope.

Is he right?
 
No, he is not right.

This topic has been covered extensively by many apologists and there is more information than I could quote in a response. Please visit the Catholic Answers main page and search Peter, first pope, primacy of Peter, etc.

For a short answer: Jesus was probably speaking Aramaic that day and there is only one word for rock (kepah) not sure if I spelled that right. The Greek alliteration of that word is Cephas. And we all know the verse “and Cephas means rock”. The answer is simple; Greek has both masculine and feminine words and it would have been insulting for the Gospel writer to refer to him in the feminine.
 
Remind the pastor that before 1500s Europe, no one thought that way or read the scriptures that way. His opinion - and I fully understand that he must defend his separation - simply did not exist before that time. But, he certainly notes that Abram’s name change to Abraham meant also a change in his mission; even a change in who he was, as Hebrew names defined who or what you were. So, if Peter was noted for his confession of faith, why was his name not changed to Amon, Kaleb or a name which denoted “faith”?
Why was his name changed to “Peter/Rock/Kepa/Cephas/Kepha” all denoting a rock.

(cont.)
 
As well pastor is simply ignoring 2,000 years of 100% consistent history. The “confession of faith” is a man-made argument that does not comport with scripture. Ask pastor about the following:
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The argument in the quote is a red herring. Jesus
was not speaking Greek. They incessantly argue small rock or pebble and
completely overlook the elephant: Jesus changed Simon bar-Jonah’s name.
He does that for a reason.
Peter is named 195 times in the NT. The closest is John “whom Jesus
loved” at just 29 times. All of the rest even less. Peter is always
named first, Judas last. Here is a partial list of unique aspects of Peter:
Jesus gave Peter the keys to the gates of Heaven.
Jesus declared Peter to the the rock.
Jesus made Peter shepherd (Feed my sheep).
Jesus told Peter only to strengthen his brothers
Jesus paid the Temple tax only for Himself and Peter.
Jesus preached from Peter’s boat.
Jesus told Peter to “Follow me” at the sea of Tiberias.
Jesus called only Peter to Him across the water.
Jesus predicted Peter’s three-fold denial.
Jesus predicted Peter’s repentance and three-fold affirmation.
Jesus prophesied only Peter’s death.
Jesus taught Peter forgiveness 70 times 7 times.
Jesus spoke only to Peter at Gethsemane.
Peter is always listed first.
Peter alone received the revelation of Jesus as Messiah.
Peter alone spoke at the Transfiguration.
Peter pointed out the withered fig tree.
Peter entered the empty tomb first - John deferring to him.
Peter decided the manner of replacing Judas.
Peter spoke for the eleven at the Pentecost.
Peter was released from prison by the Angel.
Peter spoke for the eleven before the Council.
Peter held sin bound to Ananias and Saphira.
Peter’s shadow healed.
Peter declared the sin of Simony.
Peter explained the salvation of the Gentiles to the Church at Jerusalem.
The Angel told Cornelius to call for Peter.
The Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles as Peter preached to them.
At the empty tomb, the Angel said, "Go tell His disciples, and Peter."
Mary Magdalene ran to tell Peter and the beloved disciple.
The vision of all foods being clean was given only to Peter.
Peter’s words silence the first council in Jerusalem.
Peter alone received the revelation of the end of the world (elements melting).
Peter alone received the revelation of Christ’s descent to hell/sheol.
Paul went to Peter to affirm that his Gospel was not in vain.
And on and on and on.

So, one can deny that Peter was primary, but it takes an amazing 
disregard of scripture and history to do so.
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This might well be uncomfortable for him.
 
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God doesn’t give a new name to just anyone. He gives new names to those who begin new ages of faith. He gave Simon a name that only Himself was known as being. He told Simon that his new name is rock. A very unusual name for the time. No one had been named that before.
 
Your pastor is trying to change the, very words of Christ, it is very clear, Jesus was addressing ,saying commanding to Peter directly to Him before other Apostles

Papacy/infallibility
Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13; Lk 9:32 … Peter always mentioned first, as foremost apostle.
Mt 18:21; Mk 8:29; Lk 12:41; Jn 6:69 … Peter speaks for the apostles.
Acts 2:14-40 … Pentecost: Peter who first preached.
Acts 3:6-7 … Peter worked first healing.
Acts 10:46-48 … Gentiles to be baptized revealed to Peter.
Jn 1:42 … Simon is Cephas (Aramaic: Kepha for rock).
Mt 16:18-19 … “on this Rock … keys … bind … loose”
Is 22:22; Rev 1:18 … keys as symbol of authority.
Jn 21:17 … “feed my sheep”
Lk 22:31-32 … “Simon … strengthen your brethren”.
Lk 10:1-2, 16; Jn 13:20; 2 Cor 5:20; Gal 4:14; Acts 5:1-5 … “vicars” (substitutes) of Christ.
Mk 6:20; Lk 1:70,2:23; Rom 12:1; Act 3:21, 1 Cor 7:14; Eph 3:5; Col 1:22 … humans can be holy (“call no one holy”).
 
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He is wrong.
In Jewish tradition, Abraham is the rock.
If you limit yourself to English Bible alone you might not understand what is being done so well.
But He changed Peters name. The idea that it’s about the thing he espoused seems untenable.

And about Paul, no. Peter clearly exercises authority in the NT, even over the apostles. How did they choose Matthias again?

But, also consider that Peters name is in the Gospels more than any other apostle. In fact, more than any other apostle’s names put together.
 
deondre said:
A protestant pastor of mine says: The point to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, “upon this rock I will build my church.” Catholics say Jesus was referring to Peter because his names means “rock.” But the name Peter in Greek is “petras,” not “petra” which is used in the passage. Jesus was referring to the rock of Peter’s testimony which said, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” In addition, Peter was never seen as the first leader of the New Testament Church. Paul was clearly the most dominant of the first century apostles and he was never seen as a precursor to the Pope.

Is he right?
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Parallel: Isaiah 22:22
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
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The personal pronoun - second person dative singular - is used in Greek in will give unto thee.

Matthew 16 (KJV)
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
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I see some good answers above. Thank you.

As for the question of who had more Authority or more important Paul or Peter see question number 3 on the web page below.

Luke mentions Peter more at the beginning of Acts because he was with him then later he traveled with Paul and so Paul is mentioned often in the second part of Acts. It doesn’t mean Paul was more important it just means that Luke was with Paul and had more experiences to report on him rather than about Peter.

http://www.defendingthebride.com/ch/pa/pquestions.html

Answers to Objections about Peter and the Papacy
 
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deondre said:
A protestant pastor of mine says: The point to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, “upon this rock I will build my church.” Catholics say Jesus was referring to Peter because his names means “rock.” But the name Peter in Greek is “petras,” not “petra” which is used in the passage. Jesus was referring to the rock of Peter’s testimony which said, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” In addition, Peter was never seen as the first leader of the New Testament Church. Paul was clearly the most dominant of the first century apostles and he was never seen as a precursor to the Pope.

Is he right?
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The apostles got in an argument over who is the greatest among THEM. Jesus not only settled that argument, (He said it is Peter), but Jesus also said who it was who got them in that argument in the first place. (It was Satan)

Lk 22: 24 A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest [ μείζων. ]. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you; rather let the greatest [ μείζων ] among you become as the youngest, and the leader [ ἡγούμενος , http://bibleapps.com/greek/2233.htm ] as one who serves. 27 For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 “You are those who have continued with me in my trials; 29 as my Father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you [ ὑμᾶς plural http://bibleapps.com/greek/5210.htm ] that he might sift you [ plural ] like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you [ σοῦ singular http://bibleapps.com/greek/4771.htm ] that your faith may not fail; and when you [ σοῦ singular ] have turned again, strengthen your brethren.”

Who is the only one by name that Jesus mentions? Peter. Who is the only one Jesus prays for to lead THEM? Peter. Peter is the greatest, and the leader over THEM, Peter is over the apostles ergo the Church that Jesus is building. Peter singularly, is given the keys, given to him by Jesus.

btw, one of the titles for the pope is “servant of the servants” of God.
 
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deondre (with minor formatting changes mine) . . . .
A protestant pastor of mine says:

The point to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, “upon this rock I will build my church.”

Catholics say Jesus was referring to Peter because his names means “rock.”

But the name Peter in Greek is “petras,” not “petra” which is used in the passage.

Jesus was referring to the rock of Peter’s testimony which said, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.”

In addition, Peter was never seen as the first leader of the New Testament Church.

Paul was clearly the most dominant of the first century apostles and he was never seen as a precursor to the Pope.

Is he right?
Click to expand...
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Deondre. Your pastor has admixed error with partial truths.

Matthew 16 doesn’t merely say “upon this rock I will build my church.”

Jesus says YOU are ROCK, and on this ROCK I will build my Church.

The petra-petros routine is a partial truth to avoid submitting to a Jesus-commissioned authority.

I guarantee you, if Jesus said “petra” . . . the deniers would be saying something like . . .

.
. . . “Well petra is feminine. And in that culture women had no power. So Jesus was REALLY DIMINISHING the role of Peter here.”
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.

When people are faced with an authority that they are to obey, but can pretend that THEY THEMSELVES are the REAL POPE, rationalization appears quite frequently.

They forget obvious things like Peter’s functional role on display (as steve-b just exemplified).

They pretend to be concerned about the “original” ignoring that there is no evidence Petros means “little pebble” using koine Greek.

They ignore the Aramaic kepha that is transliterated as Cephas in several letters in the Bible (such as John’s Gospel).

There IS no rock-little pebble distinction using Cephas.

The context gets ignored, where St. Peter receives not only the name change, but the blessing, and the keys.

.
MATTHEW 16:16-20 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
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Jesus is the “Christos” here.
Simon is the “Petros” (Cephas) here.
 
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Hello everyone,

This thread was an interest to me as I’ve been thinking on this question and how to address it. I’m new to the forum. Please evaluate the statement below and share your thoughts. The fifth point will be the most obvious level of division, while 1 is obvious. But what would be said of 2-4?
  1. The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
  2. The Church is constituted of all those who profess the true faith and their children.
  3. Those who continue in Christ’s word are his disciples (John 8:31).
  4. This authority of the Church is grounded in the authority divinely granted through the keys of the kingdom, which give power to include the repentant and to exclude the unrepentant.
  5. These keys are given to the Church (Matthew 18:15-21), through the apostles (John 20:21-23) based upon the apostolic teaching that Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:15-20).
 
Welcome to the new CAF! Not sure if you are a brand new member or a newly registered member from the old CAF.

You refer to Church with a capital “C”. Are you referring to the Catholic Church or an inclusive church of all Christians (which would include many denominations)?
 
Welcome
These keys are given to the Church (Matthew 18:15-21), through the apostles (John 20:21-23) based upon the apostolic teaching that Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:15-20).
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I could not see any reference to keys in Matthew 18:15-21 Did you mean Matthew 16? The keys weren’t given to the whole Church but to Peter. They were not given to all the Apostles.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven
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@ 7_Sorrows
Thank you. I’m entirely new to the board.
By “Church” I’m meaning that to which Christ was referring, and that which he would establish. Your question might be asking me to answer the very question I’m attempting to ask. If I’ve misunderstood you, please feel free to ask again.

Thank you, Hope. By the keys, I was pointing more to the practice – the right to judge membership within the Church.

I am inquiring about to whom the keys were given. In John 20, authority is given to all the apostles. This would appear to contradict a reading of Matthew 16 that takes the rock to be an individual rather than a principle – Peter rather than those with apostolic insight that Jesus is the Christ.
 
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deondre said:
A protestant pastor of mine says: The point to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, “upon this rock I will build my church.” Catholics say Jesus was referring to Peter because his names means “rock.” But the name Peter in Greek is “petras,” not “petra” which is used in the passage. Jesus was referring to the rock of Peter’s testimony which said, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” In addition, Peter was never seen as the first leader of the New Testament Church. Paul was clearly the most dominant of the first century apostles and he was never seen as a precursor to the Pope.

Is he right?
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Two things:

-there’s only one word in Aramaic for rock. There is no distinction between masculine and feminine (petros and petra). Last I heard Jesus spoke Aramaic not Greek.

-in the bible, a name change indicates a change of office/destiny e.g. Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah etc. Simon’s name change confirms his distinct role among the apostles.
 
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