Galahad, these matters have been discussed 100 times and more, and we get weary of repeating the obvious answers.
However as one of the only courteous posters you deserve at least some response. But it will be brief.
- The number of references to peter, Jesus, abraham are hardly important surely, because that "popularity" vote would have the unintended consequence of putting Abraham ahead of Jesus! I think I am right in saying however that where several disciples are listed together, Peter is always first.
- You do not mention the obvious reference to rock which is disappointing if you intended balance. The words peter and rock are the same stem, so if you accept that the conversation was in aramaic, which was indeed the first language of the less educated of the holy land, then Jesus says in Mat 16:18 either.
Simon......thou art (Meaning I shall call you) rock, and upon this rock I will build my church, or if you like.
thou art Peter and upon this Peter I will build my church.
In order to avoid the blindingly obvious some will tell you that the conversation was in Greek (nonsense Peter is recorded as speaking Galilean, a dialect of aramaic, which history records is the working language, and indeed the "fields of blood" speech say that aramaic was the language) so they try to distinguish petra and petros to say.
Thou art rock but upon this other (large) rock , I will build my church.
Except nowhere does it say other..or but.
It would therefore actually say "thou art rock and upon this (large?) rock I will build my church
In short they are splitting ungrammatical hairs. Even Calvin and Luther both thought peter was the rock and Special.
The obvious reality is that the greek translator put petros /petra in for effect, not to change the meaning.
From the beginning to end Matthew tries to present the gospel as scripture fulfilled, and refers back to the OT, and quotes Jesus doing that, a number of times because he knew his audience would understand the biblical references.
Jesus is also built up numerous times as a davidic King, and associates himself with that kingdom, for example riding a donkey as Solomon had.
So the obvious meaning of "keys of the kingdom" TO HIS AUDIENCE OF JEWS would be a direct reference back to Hezekiah in Isaiah, where the "keys of the kingdom" are clearly represented as the symbol of an office of steward (similar to prime minister, a role with succession handed down). Keys may well mean something else to todays audience, cutting themselves off from tradition, but that is what it would have meant to the jews who were obsessive about finding meaning from OT.
So when Jesus gives the "keys of the kingdom" to peter , it is no accident, it is direct reference back to the priministerial role of Davidic times, an office with succession, and that is how the jews would have understood it. So there it is in the old testament.
Finally when it comes to succession, consider the truth of early christianity. That it was handed down. which is the meaning of paradosis, tradition. And we see in the early church, the appointing of succession of bishops, the empowerment of clergy. Do you really think Jesus would want his church to die out after one generation? The new testament came later. Paul says "stay true to the tradition which we taught you by word of mouth and letter" and later the new testament says "the pillar of truth is the church"
I reply out of courtesy.
Thank you
Concerning the answers.
I honestly do not know where they have been addressed. That is NOT meant to insult you or the others posting on this thread. I too posted replies earlier. Do to the tone and substance of the postings, I skim through. Again, not a charge against anyone. My postings have not been ideal.
But I will take your word. Still I am asking from reasoning. I have to understand. Then give a reply to help me learn what Catholics believe. One person's question may not contain the exact words another person would have used, though the question may address the same subject. Exact words?
There's a difference between: "Was Peter inspired by God?" and "Was Peter baptized with the Holy Spirit?" One question pulls out certain information that the other does not.
Concerning number of times Peter found in scripture.
I accept your word. The number of times is not a matter of importance.
Concerning Peter listed first.
That is one reason why Catholics believe Peter was the first pope. That is not enough. I look through the New Testament. I find no direct statement that Peter is the first pope, nor he is referred to as being the head of the church in place of Christ on earth.
If I am to follow the teaching of Rome, then I need more than
Peter is always listed first among the apostles.
The Bible does not set doctrine that way. What I need is a command, a statement that I am to follow Rome and not merely listen to and obey the teachings of Jesus and His apostles.
Concerning no mention of Matthew 16.
You are correct, I did not mention the o
bvious reference to rock. But do not fault me for that, please. I did not reference it for a number of reasons, 1.) I know the arguments for and against Peter being the rock. 2.) My other comments/questions are related to it. 3.) Wanted to focus on other passages.
Since Matthew 16 is introduced, I will reply.
In all my years of Bible study, I have seen time and again that when a person has nothing more than the etymology, the historical use, and the language of a word to support their doctrine, they will inevitably twist the clear meaning of other scriptures in an attempt to fit it with their explanation of the word's meaning.
Well, what did Jesus mean in Matthew 16:18? Peter is the one addressed by Jesus. Peter will be given the keys. Jesus speaks about the kingdom. And let's interpret the meaning by what lies ahead of that passage. Jesus said,
I will build, I will give. Did Jesus ever build? Did he ever give? We know He did. And it's in the Bible. We must read on further. We don't go back to find the meaning, we go forward.
Here's a short list of incidents and statements and events in the Bible involving Peter after Matthew 16:18 --
Jesus rebukes Peter,
Get behind Me, Satan.
Peter sees Jesus transfigured. Peter finds coin in mouth of fish.
Peter cuts ear off. Peter denies Jesus.
Peter exhorted to
Feed My lambs, Feed My sheep.
Peter with the other apostles are commissioned to
Go into all the world and preach the gospel, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.
Peter is first to preach gospel to Jews and first to the Gentiles.
Peter rebuked by Paul.
Peter wrote two letters.
Etc.
Nothing affirmed that would align with the RCC explanation of Matthew 16:18.
And since RCC bases their doctrines and practices upon the Bible verse Matthew 16:18, let us take some of doctrines and practices and see if Peter endorses such things. Remember, According to Catholics, Peter was the first pope.
Here's a list of just a few Catholic teachings and practices which are compared to what Peter said. Again, Matthew 16 is in the Bible. Catholics quote it. Peter is in the Bible. Catholics claim Peter was pope. So let's use the Bible, looking after Matthew 16:18.
Peter rejects homage. That can't be ignored. He did NOT command, demand, request that his foot be kissed. That his hand be kissed. That a ring be kissed. He said to Cornelius
Stand up. You would expect popes to follow the example of the first pope.
Peter is never addressed or referred to as pope. Never vicar of Christ. Never the rock. Never the chief apostle. Never the head of the church. And never
Holy Father. (Such is blasphemous.)
Peter did not live as a king. Adorned in earthly and kingly attire. He did not wine and dine with world leaders. He was not seated above any assembly as royalty. He was not protected as a king. He was not inaccessible to the people. His was not served hand and foot. No earthly palace, no earthly mansion, no earthly wealth, no earthly fame.
Just with the attitude and lifestyle alone there is a glaring contrast between Peter the servant of the Lord and that of Rome's pope. The former -- the humble servant, clearly. The latter -- you be the judge.
Additionally, we would find others were said to bind and loose. We would come across this And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Ephesians 2:20.
Concerning Matthew and prophecy.
I agree. Matthew is showing that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus fulfills the messianic prophecy. You are correct. And Peter is not the Christ. He will not be the Christ. Peter is not the vicar of Christ. Nor will he be. It's all about Jesus. Nowhere does Matthew call Peter the pope.
If my memory is correct, Matthew always lists the OT passage to the fulfillment he gives.
But you write,
From the beginning to end Matthew tries to present the gospel as scripture fulfilled, and refers back to the OT, and quotes Jesus doing that, a number of times because he knew his audience would understand the biblical references.
Jesus is also built up numerous times as a davidic King, and associates himself with that kingdom, for example riding a donkey as Solomon had.
Now notice what you conclude --
So the obvious meaning of "keys of the kingdom" TO HIS AUDIENCE OF JEWS would be a direct reference back to Hezekiah in Isaiah, where the "keys of the kingdom" are clearly represented as the symbol of an office of steward (similar to prime minister, a role with succession handed down). Keys may well mean something else to todays audience, cutting themselves off from tradition, but that is what it would have meant to the jews who were obsessive about finding meaning from OT.
The problem is, Matthew never tied the keys to those passages. He did not refer to Hezekiah and Isaiah. You did. Not Matthew.
And I would not be so quick to conclude that the Jews would understand or agree with your conclusion about the keys. Again, you interpret it that way. Matthew did not say that. He did not write
As it is written in the prophet Hezekiah, Isaiah.
Concerning tradition.
Again I ask, why do you believe the Bible to be inspired by God. What evidence do you rely on?
I thank you so very much. I thoroughly appreciate your time and your response. Thank you.