PETER WAS NOT THE FIRST POPE BECAUSE........   BY STEVE FINNELL

Peter was not the first Pope because he did not believe that unrepentant atheists were redeemed.

Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; (NASB)
Acts 3:19 Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.(The Living Bible---Paraphrased)

Peter did not believe in universal salvation. Peter believed Jesus was the only way. 

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), Quoted May 22, 2013, "The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone!"Father , the atheists?" Even the atheists. Everyone!......"But I don't believe, Father, I am an atheist! But do good: We will meet one another there."
  

The apostle Peter was not the first Pope because he never referred to himself as the Chief Shepherd. 

1 Peter 5:1-4 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder.....4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Peter said he was a fellow elder. Peter never claimed to be the head of the elders. He cited Jesus as the Chief Shepherd. Peter did not believe that he, himself, was the great Shepherd. Jesus was and is the great Shepherd.

Peter was not the first Pope because he refused to be worshiped. He did not have men kiss his ring nor let them bow down in acts of worship.

Acts 10:25-26 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am just a man."

Peter considered himself to be a man. He did not think he was another God on earth.

Peter was not the first Pope because he had a mother-in-law.

Matthew 8-14 When Jesus came into Peter's home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. 1 Corinthians 9:5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife alone with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas?(John 1:42 Cephas=Peter).

Peter was not the first Pope because he did not credit himself as being the Holy See.

Ephesians 1:20-23 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right in heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church....

God the Father placed Jesus as head of the church. Peter was never nor will he ever be head of the church. Peter was not the Holy See.

Peter was not the first Pope because he was not infallible. Peter had to be rebuked by the apostle Paul.

Galatians 2:11-21But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned........14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?............

Paul had to rebuke Peter for perverting the gospel, because Peter was agreeing with the Judaizers. Peter was not Paul's superior. 

Peter was not the first Pope because he never claimed to be Lord God the Pope.

Peter was not the first Pope because never said that no man could receive salvation unless they were in subjection to him.

Peter was not the first Pope because he never assigned the title of the Most Holy to himself.

Peter was not the first Pope because never designated himself as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Peter was not the first Pope because he never indicated that he was the Chief Pastor.

Peter was not the first Pope because he did not believe he had the authority to delete Scriptures.

Peter was not the first Pope because he never thought that he was the head of the church of Christ.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH!

Colossians 1:13-19 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.......18 He is also head of the body, the church..........

God placed Jesus Christ as the head of the church. Peter was never the head of the body of Christ. No man has been, nor is any man head of the church of Christ.

PETER WAS NOT THE FIRST POPE BECAUSE---There is no office of Pope mentioned in the Bible.

(All Scripture quotes from NASB unless noted)