The Teachings of Peter vs. Roman Catholic Doctrine

Happy Holy Day! (Saturday)

Today, I’d like to explore the teachings of the Apostle Peter, who is often recognized as the first pope by the Catholic Church. According to Catholic tradition, Peter was appointed by Christ to lead the Church, with his role as the "rock" upon which Jesus built His Church (Matthew 16:18, KJV). Over time, this belief in Peter’s primacy developed into the concept of the papacy.

However, by examining the scriptures more closely, we can dig deeper into Peter’s actual teachings and how they compare to the practices and traditions of the modern Church. Peter, as depicted in the Bible, emphasized simplicity, humility, and the preaching of the gospel without profit or personal gain. He warned against exploiting the Word of God for monetary purposes (1 Peter 5:2-3, KJV). Understanding his true message can shed light on the complex relationship between his role in the early church and the Catholic institution that claims his legacy today.

Let’s take a closer look at what Peter really taught and what the Bible says about his leadership and legacy.

The Roman Catholic Church holds that the interpretation of Scripture is not solely a private affair but should be guided by the teaching authority of the Church, specifically the clergy, to ensure it aligns with the Church’s tradition and doctrines.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 85):

"The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him."

This highlights that Catholics believe the Magisterium (teaching authority) of the Church is responsible for providing authentic interpretations of Scripture, rather than leaving it to personal or individual understanding.

This directly contradicts the teachings of their very own first pope, Peter, who stated:

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For 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."

This passage from Peter emphasizes that the message of Scripture originates from God and is delivered through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, through his apostles. It is not the product of human intellect or interpretation. This challenges the idea that only the clergy or a select few have the authority to interpret the Bible. Peter's declaration highlights that Scripture's truth is universally accessible to all believers, as it is divinely inspired and not subject to private or exclusive interpretation by a particular group.

The Catholic Church often refers to Peter as its first pope, grounding much of its papal and clerical authority on him. However, Peter himself does not claim that understanding or interpreting Scripture requires an institutional intermediary. Instead, he points to divine inspiration as the ultimate source of biblical truth, accessible to all believers. If Peter was meant to represent the exclusive interpretive authority that the Church claims, one would expect him to endorse such a hierarchy in his writings. Yet, his message instead encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding.

Furthermore, in 1 Peter 1:7 (KJV), the apostle writes:

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

This verse speaks directly to the testing of faith through metaphorical "fire," which refines and strengthens one's belief. It does not refer to the soul being purified in an intermediate state like Purgatory. The passage makes it clear that it is faith—not the soul—that is subject to this testing, and this process happens during one's lifetime as part of spiritual growth and sanctification.

The Catholic concept of Purgatory, where souls are supposedly purified by fire after death, is not supported by this verse. Instead, 1 Peter 1:7 indicates that trials and challenges in this life refine the believer's faith. The metaphor of fire is used here to describe the testing of one's trust in God, much like how fire refines gold. This refining process occurs in the believer's journey on earth, not in a post-death purification as suggested by the doctrine of Purgatory.

1 Peter 1:9 reinforces the same message found in 1 Peter 1:7, backing up the argument that the refinement spoken of pertains to faith in this life, not a purification of the soul after death. The verse states:

"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (KJV)

This verse speaks of the outcome or the "end" of faith—the salvation of the soul. Salvation is presented as a result of enduring faith, which has been tried and tested throughout life, not as something achieved through a posthumous purification process like Purgatory.

In combining 1 Peter 1:7 and 1 Peter 1:9, it's evident that Peter emphasizes faith as the central element being refined and tested by fire during one's lifetime. This refining of faith leads directly to salvation. There is no mention of any need for further purification after death, as Catholic doctrine suggests. The "fire" refers to trials believers face in this life that strengthen their faith, not to a literal fire that purifies souls in the afterlife.

This teaching supports the idea that Christ’s work on the cross was complete and sufficient for salvation, making the notion of Purgatory unnecessary and inconsistent with the biblical teaching found in 1 Peter.

Why does the Roman Catholic Church disregard the teachings of its first pope?

In 1 Peter 1:22-24, the apostle emphasizes the importance of spiritual rebirth through the truth of God's Word, which is eternal and unchanging. The passage states,

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.”

This purification of the soul is achieved through obedience to the truth, not through rituals like the consumption of Christ's flesh in the Mass.

The text also highlights that believers are “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Here, Peter makes it clear that true transformation comes from the living Word of God, which stands forever, negating the need for any additional purification process, such as purgatory. If believers have been reborn and their souls purified through obedience to God's truth, the notion that they require further cleansing after death becomes unnecessary.

Furthermore, in verse 24, Peter draws a stark contrast between the temporary nature of human existence and the eternal nature of God's Word.

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.”

If the flesh is described as grass that withers and fades, how can Christ be called down in physical form, complete with blood, especially now that He is in His glorified state? This emphasizes that earthly things, including rituals and traditions, are temporary and fleeting. True salvation and purification are found in a personal relationship with Christ and His Word, not in the repetition of outward, symbolic practices. The essence of faith lies in spiritual transformation through Christ, not in maintaining or performing ritualistic acts tied to the physical realm.

So why are they engaging in deception and profiting from the sale of Mass cards?

Let's shift our focus to the Catholic belief that Peter was their first pope.

Let's refer to 1 Peter 2:3-7 (KJV):

"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 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. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner."

In these verses, Peter speaking of "him" not of "himself" makes it clear that Christ is the "living stone" and "chief cornerstone" chosen by God. He speaks of Jesus as the foundation of faith, not himself. This passage directly contradicts the Roman Catholic tradition of Peter being the "rock" or cornerstone upon which the Church is built. Instead, Peter himself points to Christ as the true cornerstone. This undermines the Catholic claim of Peter being the foundation of their Church, affirming that Jesus is the central figure upon whom believers should place their faith.

This indicates that the Catholic claim of papal supremacy, based on Peter's status as the first pope, is inconsistent with Peter's own teachings. Instead of advocating for a singular authoritative figure, Peter points to the communal nature of the faith in Christ. By emphasizing Christ as the cornerstone, Peter reinforces the idea that all believers share equally in the faith and priesthood, negating the necessity for a singular earthly authority like the pope.

In addition to 1 Peter 3:3, which emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over external adornments, other teachings from Peter in the KJV further support the argument against pomp, opulence, and privilege.

In 1 Peter 5:2-3, Peter instructs church leaders:

“Feed 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; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

Here, Peter warns against the motivation of financial gain in ministry and cautions against exercising authority for personal gain. Instead, he encourages leaders to serve with humility and dedication, embodying the example of Christ.

Moreover, in 1 Peter 2:9, Peter reminds believers of their true identity:

“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 marvelous light.”

This passage underscores that every believer is part of a spiritual priesthood, and the emphasis is placed on spiritual calling rather than material status. This notion dismantles the idea that opulence or privilege is necessary for spiritual authority or importance.

So why this?

Additionally, in 1 Peter 1:18-19, Peter speaks about the preciousness of redemption:

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Here, he highlights that the value of salvation comes from Christ's sacrifice, not from material wealth or traditions. This perspective aligns with the overall teaching of humility and the rejection of materialism.

However, the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes a wealth of traditions, gold, and opulence.

Why do they overlook Peter's teachings?

What prompted them to alter God's commandments and continue to "venerate" saints, which essentially means to worship them?

Furthermore, why did they choose to change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday?

These teachings from Peter encourage believers to focus on spiritual richness and genuine relationships rather than the pursuit of wealth, privilege, or ostentation. In doing so, they reflect the heart of the Gospel, which emphasizes love, humility, and service over worldly status.

1 Peter 3:4 states:

"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

This verse emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character over external adornment or opulence. It calls for humility and sincerity rather than the pursuit of wealth and status, aligning with Peter's teachings that prioritize spiritual values over material ones.

Furthermore, Peter's warning in 2 Peter 2:3 about false teachers exploiting believers with fabricated stories serves as a relevant reminder of the need for discernment within the Church.

"And 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."

He cautions against those who would use the faith for personal gain, indicating that the integrity of the Gospel must not be compromised for financial advantage. This raises critical questions about the Church's accountability to uphold the teachings of Christ and the apostles, rather than succumbing to the temptations of materialism and power.

In conclusion, for the Roman Catholic Church to deviate from the teachings of its first pope, Peter, is a significant contradiction, especially considering that Peter himself recognized Christ as the true foundation of faith. While the Church claims apostolic succession through Peter, it often seems to stray from the core principles that Peter taught. As a devoted follower of Christ, I urge all sincere believers to engage deeply with God's Word and to avoid being misled by teachings that do not align with Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:13-14 warns,

"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them."

Let this be a call to discernment and a reminder to prioritize the truth of Scripture above all human traditions, and false doctrine.

It should now be clear why there’s a reluctance to encourage Catholics to independently study God's Word.