3. False Teachings About Peter and the Papal System
Roman Catholic View: The Catholic Church teaches that Peter was the first Pope and that Jesus built His church on Peter as the “rock.”
Biblical and Historical View: While Jesus did call Peter a “rock” in Matthew 16:18 (NASB), the interpretation that Peter is the foundation of the church is a complete fraud scripturally. The church is built on Jesus Christ Himself. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NASB) says: “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Historically, the Papal system did not start with Peter but was established much later. Constantine’s influence in the fourth century led to the formation of the Roman Catholic Church as a state religion. This establishment is not supported by the New Testament model of the church, which thrived as a separate, spiritual community apart from political powers.
Jesus is the Rock, Not Peter: Understanding Matthew 16:16-20 and 1 Corinthians 10:4
There is a common misunderstanding regarding Matthew 16:16-20, where the Roman Catholic Religion teaches that Peter is the rock on which the Church is built. However, a closer look at the context and other biblical references shows that Jesus is the true rock. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 10:4 provides further evidence that Christ is the foundational rock.
Examining Matthew 16:16-20
Let’s start by looking at the passage in Matthew 16:16-20 (NASB)
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock (v16) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.
Key Points to Understand
1. Peter’s Confession
In verse 16, Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This statement is a crucial revelation and the foundation of Christian faith.
2. Jesus’ Response
In verse 17, Jesus blesses Peter for his confession, highlighting that this revelation came from God the Father. This emphasises the divine nature of the truth Peter spoke.
3. The Play on Words
In verse 18, Jesus uses a play on words. The name “Peter” in Greek is “Petros,” which means a small stone or rock. The word “rock” in this context is “petra,” which refers to a large rock or bedrock. This distinction is crucial for understanding the passage.
4. The Foundation of the Church
When Jesus says, “upon this rock I will build My church,” He refers to the foundational truth of Peter’s confession: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Church is built on this revelation, not on Peter himself.
Biblical Support for Jesus as the Rock
Jesus as the Cornerstone
The New Testament consistently refers to Jesus as the cornerstone or the foundational rock:
Ephesians 2:20 (NASB) "having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone."
1 Peter 2:6 (NASB) "For this is contained in Scripture: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.'"
These verses clearly indicate that Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Church is built.
Peter’s Own Testimony
Peter himself acknowledges Jesus as the cornerstone:
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NASB) "And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Here, Peter refers to believers as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone.
Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:4
1 Corinthians 10:4 (NASB) "and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ."
This verse provides further confirmation that Jesus is the rock. Paul is referring to the Israelites in the wilderness who were provided with water from the rock. Paul identifies this rock as Christ, emphasising that Jesus has always been the spiritual foundation and sustenance for God’s people.
Summery
Matthew 16:16-20, when understood in its context and supported by other Scriptures, shows that Jesus is the true rock upon which the Church is built. Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the foundational truth. The play on words between “Petros” (Peter) and “petra” (rock) highlights this point. The Church is built on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, not on Peter.
1 Corinthians 10:4 further supports this by identifying Christ as the spiritual rock that sustained the Israelites. Recognising Jesus as the foundation of our faith helps to avoid misinterpretations that elevate individuals above the central truth of Jesus’ identity and mission.
Making Roman Catholicism the State Religion
Roman Catholic View: Roman Catholicism became the state religion of the Roman Empire under Constantine, merging church and state.
Biblical View: The New Testament does not support the idea of any state religion. Jesus taught that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36 NASB), and the early church functioned as a distinct, spiritual community apart from political authorities.
Conclusion
The differences between the Roman Catholic Jesus and the Jesus of the Bible highlight significant theological issues. The elevation of Mary, the practice of praying to saints, the titles given to priests and the Pope, and the historical development of the Papal system all diverge from biblical teachings. True Christian faith calls for adherence to the Bible, recognising Jesus Christ as the sole mediator and foundation of the church, and maintaining the purity of worship directed only to God. The Roman Catholic Religion, with its unbiblical doctrines and practices, cannot be considered a true Christian church according to the standards of Scripture.
