Peter and Christ
Peter is a central figure in the Gospels, second only to Christ. The events of his life are well-known, but a closer look reveals characteristics of Peter which are building blocks in his relationship to Christ.
Last chapter we looked at Peter’s confessions. When he confessed the Christ, blessings followed. When he proudly confessed himself, the fall was close at hand.
This chapter focuses in on the question of whether Peter was the first Pope. While that is a historical, not a theological question, it will be good to cull the New Testament for instances of leadership exercised by Peter.
If the leaders get the attention, Peter certainly ranks as a leader. Not counting his Aramaic nickname (Cephas) or his given name (Simon), “Peter” is mentioned no fewer than 96 times in the Gospel texts. The two other disciples of the inner circle don’t even come close—James 29 times and John (although his reticence in mentioning himself is duly noted in his Gospel) but 19 times.
Events swirled around Peter as he reacted to them. That alone tends to force leadership upon a person.
Read John 1.42
What does this passage have to say about leadership and Peter?
Peter will be the rock of the apostles, their leader.
Who made Peter the leader?
Jesus, right from the start.
Read Matthew 10.1-5, Mark 3.13-19, Luke 6.12-16
Compare the listings. What strikes you?
Peter is always mentioned first. In fact, the listings are almost identical, as if they were recording a pecking order.
How is being an “apostle” different from being a “disciple”?
A disciple is to learn from Jesus, whereas the apostles were those “sent” to preach the Gospel and exercise the apostolic miracle working power.
How did Jesus show naming apostles from his followers was an important task?
He spent the night in prayer before he designated these men apostles.
Why is Judas’ always being mentioned last significant for proving the role of Peter as the leader?
The listing is obviously from the top to bottom, the leader of the disciples to the last of the disciples who fell away.
Peter, together with James and John, formed the “Inner Circle” of Christ’s apostles. As such, they were privy to special events and teachings.
Can you think of some miracles where only Peter, James and John were permitted to witness the events? (only peek at the Bible citations if you are stumped.)
Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56
Jairus' daughter
Matthew 17.1-9, Mark 9.2-10, Luke 9.28-36
Transfiguration
What would be the results of them seeing things other apostles never did see?
A stronger faith.
What does this say about the leadership role of Peter?
He was obviously a leader, one of the three, to be included in this circle. A leader has privileged information.
Did this special information make Peter a better leader?
Maybe. The Transfiguration clearly took place after Peter’s objection to Christ teaching about his suffering and death. It was almost remedial instruction for Peter.
There is one time Peter “pulled rank” and received a favor from Jesus. It happened during the Passover meal on Maundy Thursday.
Read John 13.27-30
What comment of Christ is Peter very interested about?
One of the apostles would betray Christ.
Why would Peter be so interested?
It was more than human curiosity. As the leader of the apostles, he felt responsible for them.
How does Peter show he is a leader in getting this information?
He works the right people, in this case, getting John to ask Jesus who the betrayer was.
Did Peter get the “inside scoop” he was looking for?
Yes. Christ plainly marked out Judas as the betrayer. And no. John clearly says no one understood what Christ was saying to Judas.
Scanning ahead in John 13, did Peter’s inside information make him a better leader?
No, for he quickly argues with Christ that he will not deny him, the very thing he will do that night.
A leader has responsibilities that he shoulders. But responsibilities may be of two types—those others give us and those we usurp for ourselves. Here’s an instance where Peter usurped responsibility for himself with almost tragic consequences.
Read Matthew 26.51-54 (John 18.8-11)
What responsibility does Peter take upon himself?
Defending Christ
Who really was defending whom?
Christ was defending the apostles, “that none of them would be lost.
Analyze how well Peter carried out his responsibility.
He was an abject failure—no one dies by having their ear cut off, he distracts Christ and earns his rebuke for opposing God’s will.
Did this make Peter a better leader?
No, it is the start of his downward spiral that night.
The only one who matters in the question if Peter is the leader or not is Christ. Did Christ use Peter as a leader or predict Peter’s leadership position?
Let’s look at the end of Jesus’ ministry. If Peter is the leader, Jesus should make that clear.
Maundy Thursday
Simon , Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22.31-32
How does this show Peter is to be the leader?
He prays specifically for him. Satan wants to target him. He is to strengthen his brothers when he “returns.”
Easter Sunday
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 16.7
How do the angels show Peter is special?
The woman are to tell Peter about the resurrection.
It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon. Luke 24.34
What singular “inside scoop” does Christ afford Peter?
The risen Christ made a special appearance to Peter.
We took a look at John 21 in chapter 1: “Follow Me.” Peter show leadership by immediately leaping out of the boat to be with Christ and when Christ tells the disciples to bring some of the fish to him, Peter alone drags the whole net of fish before anyone else could! Then comes Christ’s poignant asking Peter three times if he loved him. Why?
To reinstate him as the leader of the apostles.
What job did Christ give Peter?
To feed my lambs.
It became clear from the ending of John 21 that Peter’s job was not to boss around the other disciples and question God’s handling of their lives, like having John lead a long life.
Read Acts 1.15-26
Prove that Peter was the leader of this “church council.”
1. He initiates the suggestion for replacing Judas
2. He shows authority in quoting Scripture
3. His suggestion is immediately taken up and acted on
Why did Peter make this suggestion?
He felt responsible for the group—it needed to replace Judas.
Who might we say is the first Pope here?
Peter.
Pentecost (Acts 2)
The unbelievers slammed the apostles who were speaking in tongues that they were drunk. Peter, feeling compelled as the leader of the apostles and to defend their reputation explains what is going on. He shows true Christian leadership by speaking according to Scripture and pointing out Christ as the Savior. That over 3000 converted that day would only strengthen Peter’s leadership role.
The Crippled Beggar Healed (Acts 3-4)
Peter and John are going into the Temple when they come across a crippled beggar. Peter, not John, heals him. Peter,not John, explains the miracle to the bystanders and Peter, not John, gives his defense in the subsequent trial before the Sanhedrin. He takes the initiative in explaining the faith and taking the heat of opposition.
Annas and Sapphira (Acts 5)
Peter is clearly the leader in the story of Annas and Sapphira. He receives their gift given under false pretenses. He utters their sentences. At the end of the chapter the inhabitants of Jerusalem lay their sick on the street so even Peter’s shadow might cross them and heal them!
Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8.4-25))
When the Church grows in Samaria, Peter and John, the leading disciples, are sent and both work powerfully. Simon the Sorcerer, seeing the power they have, goes to Peter, as the leader, to try to buy this apostolic power for himself. Hence, the term, simony, the buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices.
Victims of Persecution (Acts 12.1-4)
King Herod, to put down the Christian Church, initially puts the leader to death, James (one of the inner circle of disciples). When that went over well, he went after the former #2, now #1, Peter!
Read Acts 15.1-29
What was the issue before this church council?
Whether Gentiles could be admitted as members of the Church without circumcision or obeying the laws of Moses.
When does Peter finally speak?
Only after much discussion.
Is this typical of the leadership pattern of Peter? What might it signify?
No, it shows he is probably no longer the leader, for he, out of respect for the leadership, holds his peace until he has something to add.
What insight can Peter add to this debate?
He had preached to Cornelius, an uncircumcised Roman, and the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his circle, just as it had upon the apostles on Pentecost.
Who would be expected to issue the judgment of the council?
The leader.
Who issues that judgment.
James, the brother of Christ.
Who, then is the leader of the church at Jerusalem?
James.
Whose verdict is promulgated throughout the Christian church on earth regarding this matter?
James.
Who might we call the first Pope here?
James.
Read Galatians 1.18-19
Who does Paul show he feels is the leader of the Church at Jerusalem?
Peter or James.
What does he insinuate about James?
He includes him in the number of the apostles.
What would have given James that lofty position, since he was not appointed by Christ!
His position of leadership in the Jerusalem church.
Read Galatians 2.11
Where is Peter now?
In Antioch.
Evaluate his leadership style.
Not very well. He feels intimidated by the group from James so much so that he lives a hypocritical life.
When people ask whether Peter was the first Pope, they are not asking whether Peter was the first leader of other churches. They are interested if Peter was the first leader in Rome! First, we have to get Peter to Rome, and he clearly is, from a look at his two epistles.
Locate the three churches where we know Peter was.
There was a fourth great Christian church in the first century, Alexandria. Can you find it on the same map?
Read 1 Peter 1.1-2
To whom is Peter writing?
Christians in Asia Minor
What two reasons could we give as to why would he have written to them?
He had authority over them as an apostle or as Pope.
Read 2 Peter 1.1-2
To whom is Peter writing?
All Christians everywhere.
What two reasons could we give as to why would he have written to them?
He had authority over them as an apostle or as Pope.
Read 1 Peter 5.12-14
From where is Peter writing?
Babylon.
This cannot be, for Babylon was destroyed and left as lifeless ruins by 150 B.C. What did Babylon represent to the Old Testament believers?
A world power which was the center for persecution of God’s people.
What town would fill that same niche for New Testament believers as Babylon did for Old Testament believers?
Rome. She was the ruler of the world and also the center of persecution for Christians.
So where was Peter writing from?
Rome.
Read 2 Peter 1.12-15
Why was Peter writing at this time?
He knew his death was near.
Why could Peter be so certain of this?
Christ has made it clear to him.
How would Peter be able to remind the Christians of these teachings even if he were dead?
Through his writings.
Why was Peter writing to the Christians—because he was the Pope or because he was an apostle?
He was fulfilling his duties as an apostle, delivering the message from the Lord.
Paul’s personal greetings to the church at Rome (Romans 16.1-16) does not mention Peter, strongly hinting Peter is not at Rome when Paul wrote.
Paul apologizes to the Romans—he wants to come now, but he has to bring a relief contribution to the believers in Jerusalem. This happened after Paul’s Third missionary journey (53-57 A.D.). When Paul takes the relief offering to Jerusalem, he is rescued by the Romans from a riot within the Temple and held in custody for a time. Having been taken to the coast for safekeeping, he spends another two years in custody before he embarks on a five month journey to Rome, about 62 A.D. Peter is nowhere in the picture at Rome up to this point.
We know from 2 Corinthians 10.15-18, Paul only does mission work where no other apostle had yet gone, so he would not boast of another’s work.
It is obvious Christians are already at Rome from the opening of Paul’s letter to them, as he expresses his wish to visit them. If Peter had founded the church at Rome, this would be contrary to Paul’s pattern. He would not be desiring to preach to them or leave an apostolic blessing for them. Yet this is clearly what he wants to do, because Peter did not found the church at Rome.
The kicker is, when Paul gets to Rome in 62 A.D., Peter still is nowhere in the picture. At the end of Acts we have nameless brethren visiting and supporting Paul. Peter must have gotten into Rome after the events of the book of Acts, about 64 A.D. and would shortly be put to death. Paul seems to have gotten out of Rome in 64 A.D. and traveled to Spain, returning to Rome where he would face martyrdom in 67 A.D.
From the Biblical account, was Peter the leader of the apostles?
Yes.
From the Biblical account, was Peter the first Pope?
No.
The Roman Catholic Church’s claim of Peter being the first Pope has nothing to do with his founding the church in Rome (which he didn’t). They claim Peter was given authority over the other apostles because of Christ’s words to him (we’ll look at that in the next chapter).
Just look at the book of Acts. In what city does it start?
Jerusalem.
In what city does it end?
Rome.
What does that say about the position of Rome in the world?
Rome is central to Paul’s final missionary work and the closing days of his life.
Why was Rome so important?
It was the capital of the Mediterranean world.
Does this prove Rome will be the new capital of God’s Church on earth, as Jerusalem was the old capital of God’s Church on earth? Explain (John 4.21-24 might help).
No. It is just descriptive of Paul’s journeys. In fact, the New Testament Church is going to be everywhere, not run on a priestly and location dependent basis as the Old Testament Church was, as Christ said to the woman at the well—God wanted worshipers who would worship in spirit and in truth, not confined to this or that location.
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List the characteristics you would like to see in a pastor. |
List the characteristics you would like to see in a pastor who is going to start a church. |
List the characteristics you would like to see in a pastor of a church in a retirement community. |
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Compare the three. Circle any common characteristics. What changed and why?
Next time: The Pebble and the Rock