Why the Pope is a mistaken identity for Peter?
Before I continue with my post, I would like to explain to the followers of Catholic religion that my intent for sharing the truth of the scripture is to help them see what I have realized, having been raised formerly from that native religion (Gal 4:16), I have come out to share to those beginners in the faith the shocking things about how we should consider the leadership that Christ gave to Peter. But I do not intend that this post be offensive to all Catholics who were at the heights of celebrating their new leadership through their new pope Benedict. I only wish that Catholics should examine their faith on how they all started.
The doctrine concerning papacy, being traced with Peter, should be examined. And if you will observe, Roman Catholic priests and ministers had long been propagating errors and against the word of God, and I think they also deserve to be cross-examined because not all agree to their teachings, foremost, on the topic “Papacy”.
Many Roman Catholics knew that their claim for the pope’s position was likened and claimed as it was of Peter, being among the pillar in the leadership of disciples during the earthly ministry of Christ. Perhaps, only few Catholics knew that the pope is the mistaken identity for Peter if it concerns Scriptural accounts. They are those Catholics (or Universal which were no longer of Rome but of the Scripture though they are still tied to many traditions). It was not surprising because Catholic priests do not fully bow to the word of God, but to tradition. That is what they are bound to pass to their followers. But I think those who followed Roman Catholicism deserves to know and to examine the Scriptures themselves, because ignoring the truth of the Scriptures is lethal to their spiritual life before God (Gal.5:19-21; 1 Co.6:9-10;Rev.21:8,15), though I know they can only do so as the Lord starts to quicken them.
If the pope, according to Roman Catholic teachings, is followed to Peter the apostle, as they say that he is the first pope using Mt. 16:18, they should see these comparisons if it is confirming or contrasting.
#1.
Pope: was chosen by cardinals or their fellow priests
Peter: Was chosen by Christ and no fellow disciples chose him as a leader, or as an apostle. “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”Mat.4:18
#2.
Pope: the pope claimed as the visible head of the church
Peter: was never called the visible head of church, neither of Rome, he didn’t name the church as Roman Catholic. Christ alone is the Head of the church of God. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Eph.5:23
#3.
Pope: The Pope claimed as infallible and cannot be rebuked by another priest or a subordinate leader; in fact, they only have one. Would the pope accept rebuke from his cardinals or fellow priests?
Peter: He can be rebuked by another apostle.
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Gal.2:11
#4.
Pope: They were forbidden to have a wife.
The scripture tells us of those who forbids marrying. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1Tim.4:1-3
Peter: has a wife.
“And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.” Mat.8:14
Paul said an apostle has a right to have one.
“Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?” 1 Co.9:5
#5.
Pope: Declared by Catholic councils as infallible
Peter: He committed mistakes, many of them. He denied the Lord thrice (Mk.14:72), he walked not according to the truth sometime (Gal.2:11-18), he forsook the Lord (Mk.14:50), he did not believe the resurrection of Christ at first (Mk.16:7-14), he is not true to his words (Mk.14:29-31), he came back to what he is doing at first (Jn.21:1-19), he sometimes doubted (Acts 10:17,20). Therefore, he is not infallible.
#6.
Pope: claimed as the vicar (exact representation) of Christ and many things
Peter: He has no title as pope or as vicar. In the epistles written by him, we can only find these as part of how he was addressed.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” 1 Pet.1:1
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” 2 Pet.1:1
#7.
Pope: the sole leader of Roman Catholic church.
Peter: is not the only pillar in leadership. The headship of leadership is not ascribed on him.
“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Gal.2:9
#8.
Pope: Some pope were Jewish, some were Gentiles
Peter: He was a Jew.
“And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28
#9.
Pope: Heads the Gentile leadership
Peter: His ministry is unto the Jews, not to pagans or Gentiles
“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)” Gal.2:7-8
Look at how he addressed his epistles, and it refers to the Israelites.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” 1 Pet.1:1
#10.
Pope: believes in Evolution
Peter: believes in God the Creator
“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet.4:19
#11.
Pope: addressed as Holy Father, that is why they used the title Pope.
Peter: was never addressed as Holy Father, it is unto God alone (John 17:11). He heard Christ taught about it (Mt.23:1) “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Mat.23:9
#12.
Pope: Have claims to understand all revelation from God
Peter: has some difficulties understanding Paul’s letters
15“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Pet.3:15-16
#13.
Pope: Was never an eyewitness to the resurrection of Christ according to scriptures.
Peter: had seen the risen Christ
Apostles had to be eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ.
Peter and all apostles were eyewitnesses, but the pope was not. (Acts 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39-41; 1 Cor. 15:4-8).
“And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:”1Co.15:5
This is important for succession especially in apostleship. When Judas was replaced, those who replaced him must have these qualifications (Acts 1:22). This is also telling us that since none was mentioned by the scripture to have seen the risen Christ, therefore, apostleship stops.
Paul said he is the last one. “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” 1 Co.15:8
#14.
Pope: prays the rosary
Peter didn’t pray the ROSARY. He understood it’s pharisaic and condemned by Christ “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Mat.23:14
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Mat.6:7
#15.
Pope: Bows and prays to idols or images they believed as saints
Peter: does not bow to the gods of pagans, or to idols or images.
Show me that Peter the apostle observes ‘paganism’ or bows and prays to idols or images. You can neither present that Peter is teaching against the first and second commandments. He understood that idolatry is abominable.
“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” 1 Pet.4:3
#16.
Pope: He accepts bowing, or worship. Catholics were taught to pray
to Popes (dead and departed ones).
Peter: Does not accept bowing from men. He knew it is forbidden by Christ and is an idolatrous act.
“And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” Acts10:25
#17.
Pope: Teaches traditions even if it is against God’s word
Peter: is against the traditions of man but favor God’s word
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20
#18.
Pope: Was protected by guards and bullet proof cars.
Peter: Though at first he denied Christ, he learned already and was not afraid to die for His sake.
“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” 1 Pet.3:14
#19.
Pope: never experienced being imprisoned. Historic records showed that they imprisoned and persecuted many who come against Roman Catholic teachings.
Peter: was imprisoned, and as an apostle, he did not accuse anybody and sued them unto imprisonment (Acts 5:18)
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Acts 12:5
#20.
Pope: Teaches different salvation through their so called
“Sacraments”. Catholic popes and priests even added Mary as the Savior.
Peter: Teaches salvation only in the name of Christ alone and no other name.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
#21.
Pope: His priesthood was of pagan gods and not holy.
Peter: His priesthood is holy and of God
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1Pet.2:5
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” 1 Pet.2:9
#22.
Pope: Teaches idolatry
Peter: He teaches against idolatries.
“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” 1 Pet.4:2-3
#23.
Pope: Is not an Elder or a Bishop according to Scriptures (1 Tim.3:1-2; Tit.1:7)
Peter: As Elder
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Pet.5:1-4
#24.
Pope: Is not led by the Holy Spirit. If one is an idolater, it goes to show that he is not led by the Spirit and is only doing the work of the flesh.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,” Gal.5:16-20
Peter: He is led by the Holy Spirit
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Pet.1:20-21
#25.
Pope: He will not inherit the kingdom of God because of idolatry.
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal.5:19-21
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,” 1 Co.6:9
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev.21:8
Peter: He is saved and will inherit the kingdom of God, or he will go to heaven.
#26.
Pope: He believes in fables. History records their beliefs on myths.
Peter: He does not follow fables but only what God says
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Pet.1:16
#27.
Pope: Teaches different things concerning Sainthood. They have to canonize a person first before declaring him/her as saint. To them, you are a saint if you died already.
Peter: He understood that those who believe in Christ, those “in Christ” according to the Scriptures, are already a saint and does not need the ceremonies and approval of man to become one.
“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.” Acts 9:32
“But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her
eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.” Acts 9:40-43
#28.
Pope: Does not truly know who the false teachers are.
Peter: Teaches who the false teachers and prophets are
1“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” 2 Pet.2:1-4
#29.
Pope: A Roman Catholic
Peter: A Christian
“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Pet.4:16
#30.
Pope: Papacy was passed on to successors, the one being elected by their conclave of cardinals.
Peter: You cannot find that the leadership of Peter was passed on to successions as the Roman Catholics claimed for their Popes.
#31.
Pope: He follows another Jesus
If the pope is not obedient to the Jesus of the Scripture, then he is following another Jesus (2Co 11:4) and the church he claimed to be in leadership is also questionable and cannot be considered as the body of Christ. I wish that the pope and all Catholics would learn the importance of God’s word and truly obey it not just in part but as a whole.
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Lk.6:46
Peter: He follows the true Jesus of the Scripture
#32.
Pope: is worshipping the devil
“Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” 1Co.10:18-21
Peter: He is against the works of the devil and against idolatry.
“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” 1 Pet.4:3
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Pet.5:8
The faith of Pope and Peter is not the same. Peter knew what “like precious faith is” and through these few comparisons we can conclude that the Papacy of Roman Catholicism is too far concerning Scriptural basis.
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” 2 Pet.1:1
There is no Papacy or spiritual ‘Fatherhood’ as they ascribed to the pope and there’s also no succession of it, not even a Scriptural basis.
Scriptures quoted from the KJV.
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