WAS PETER THE FIRST POPE?  BY STEVE FINNELL

Was the apostle Peter the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church? A few reasons why Peter was not the first Pope.

Peter was not Pope because there is no office of Pope mentioned in the Scriptures. Peter was not the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church because there is no Roman Catholic Church mentioned in the Bible.

Peter was not a Pope because the apostles were not in subjection to him.

2 Corinthians 11:5 For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.

Not only was the apostle Paul not in subjection to Peter, he reprimanded Peter in Antioch.

Galatians 2:11-21 But 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?....

Peter was not Paul's superior. (Cephas was Peter, John 1:42)

Peter was not a Pope, because he did not believe that the Virgin Mary was a mediator between men and God nor did he offer up prayers to her.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Peter was not a Pope, because he did not pray to any saints dead or alive. Prayer is worship.

Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Go Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only !"

Peter was not the first Pope, because he refuse to let men bow down and kiss his ring in an act of worship.

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

Peter was not the first Pope because he did not referred to himself as the Chief Shepherd or head of the church of Christ. The Chief Shepherd and head of the church is Jesus Christ and Jesus alone.(Colossians 1:13-19, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Hebrews 13"20, Ephesians 1:20-23, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 5:22-24.)

Peter was not the first Pope nor was he ever a Pope.

(All Scripture from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)