THE POPE
Peter was the first Pope. The term "Pope" signifies the head Bishop of the Catholic Church. Matt. 16:18-19 says, "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. 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". Jesus made Peter the first "head Bishop", the first Pope. In this passage, Jesus lays down the foundation for the church, the authority of Peter as its first head (pope), and a clear indication of apostolic succession.
Another passage where Jesus singles out Peter as the head of the church is found in John 21:15-17, So, when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? Peter saith unto Him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? And again He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Then, He 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. Jesus tells Peter to "feed MY sheep", not once but several times. The sheep are Jesus' followers, the followers of the church.
Other passages confirming Peter's role (and Peters' successors' role) as head of the church.
Luke 22:32 - Jesus: But I have prayed for thee (Peter) that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Acts 1:15 -- And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said...
Acts 2:14 -- And Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and harken to my words:
Acts 4:8-12 -- Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel...
Acts 15:7 -- And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
One final item for this subject.
The Catholic Almanac states the following:
"The Roman Pontiff -- The successor of St. Peter as the Bishop of Rome and head of the Church on earth - has full and supreme authority over the universal Church in matters pertaining to faith and morals (teaching authority), discipline and government (jurisdictional authority). The Pope's authority is on issues concerning faith and morals."
What this means is that Catholics do not follow rules that the Pope just makes up. The Pope's words are only binding on the Catholic people when he speaks "from the chair of Peter", making an infallible statement. According to the Catholic Almanac this occurs very rarely. When the Pope is speaking "from the chair of Peter" he is not alone. As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope on his decisions. Also, the Pope consults with the Bishops of the Church, whose authority is derived as his is, but still under his authority.
So, as a way of summarizing; Jesus appointed Peter as the first Pope, Jesus laid the foundation of the Church, Jesus laid the foundation for papal succession, and Jesus specified the authority and position of the Pope.
We didn't invent the Pope, GOD DID!
| DIRECTORY |
|
Catholic Beliefs Directory |
|
Beliefs Home Mary Confession The Pope Purgatory The Catholic Mass |
Bible vs. Church Faith Alone Baptism Statues & Idolatry Saints, Relics, etc. Other Proofs |