In this lecture, we examine the New Testament evidence concerning the apostle Peter and his unique role among the Twelve. Rather than beginning with later Church history or theological claims, this talk proceeds directly from Scripture. We first define what is meant by the “Pope” — not as a later title, but as an office: a visible head of the Church entrusted with a unique pastoral authority for the sake of unity. We then identify the distinguishing characteristics such an office would require and examine whether those characteristics are found in Peter. The lecture considers: Peter’s renaming by Christ His reception of divine revelation concerning Christ’s identity The meaning of “rock” in Matthew 16 The symbolism of the “keys of the kingdom” Christ’s command to strengthen the brethren The commission to shepherd the whole flock Peter’s leadership in the Acts of the Apostles His role in the inclusion of the Gentiles His decisive intervention at the Jerusalem Council His association with Rome and the universal Church The goal is not polemical, but careful examination. The question addressed is simple: when the New Testament is read in its entirety, does it present Peter as occupying an office that corresponds to what Catholics later call the papacy? Viewers are encouraged to consider the cumulative biblical evidence and evaluate whether the Petrine office is an invention of later centuries or is rooted in the structure of the apostolic Church itself.
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Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
https://classicalliberalarts.com
