|
|
|
WAS PETER A BISHOP IN ROME? BY RYAN HICKS © 1996-1999 Ryan Hicks |
It is a much claimed "fact" in Catholic teaching that the Roman Church was founded on Peter who fixed his chair in Rome.
1 Thessalonians 2:14
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
If Peter supposedly set up a church in Rome and fixed his chair there why did they not become followers of THE church in Rome? Why is there no mention of a church in Rome with Peter having any role at all in it in the Scripture?
Romans 16:1-16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
According to the Roman Catholic teaching Peter was already in Rome at the time Paul wrote this epistle to the Romans, this is because Peter was supposedly bishop from 29 A.D. to 67 A.D. No matter what date you think Romans was written it would have been during the time of Peter was "bishop in Rome." Peter is not mentioned in this list of greetings and salutings. It is sure that Peter would have been mentioned if he was there, and most surely if he was some supposed Pope, but because neither of these things are true he was not mentioned. Also, Paul would no doubt have greeted Peter first if he was the bishop of Rome as the Roman Catholic Church claims. This truth destroys the sandy foundation of Peter being the bishop of Rome.
Colossians 4:7-18
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Once again Paul mentions everyone EXCEPT Peter! If Peter was the Pope with his seat fixed in Rome then why does Paul never mention such, nor does he mention Peter as a fellowworker unto the kingdom of God like Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Marcus, and Justus are mentioned being. Why would the supposed foundation that the whole church is built on, Peter, be ignored except it be that he was not the foundation the church is built on, he was no pope, and he was never a bishop in Rome.
