Many Protestants reject the Catholic claim that Saint Peter was the first Pope. This article explores biblical evidence, early Church writings, and historical facts to defend the Catholic position.
🕊️ Was Saint Peter the First Pope?
A Biblical and Historical Catholic Response to Protestant Objections
One of the most common objections raised by many Protestants is the Catholic Church’s claim that Saint Peter was the first Pope. They argue that this position is unbiblical and that the idea of a “Pope” never existed in the early Church. But is this objection valid? Let us examine Scripture, Church history, and early Christian writings to address this issue clearly and faithfully.
📖 What Does the Bible Say About Peter’s Role?
✅ Matthew 16:18-19 – The Foundational Passage
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven...” (Matthew 16:18-19, ESV)
In this passage, Jesus changes Simon’s name to Peter (Greek: Petros, meaning rock), and says “on this rock I will build my Church.” This indicates a foundational role for Peter in the Church. The “keys” given to Peter represent authority – a clear parallel to Isaiah 22:22, where keys symbolize the office of a royal steward.
✅ John 21:15–17 – Shepherding Role Given by Christ
“Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep... Feed my sheep.”
Jesus entrusts Peter with the mission of shepherding His flock. While all apostles were leaders, Peter was singled out for this pastoral commission. This is consistent with the role of a Pope as the chief shepherd of the Church on earth.
✅ Luke 22:31–32 – Strengthening the Brethren
“...when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Christ prayed specifically for Peter and gave him the mission of strengthening the faith of the others — again indicating primacy among the apostles.
🕊️ Early Church Belief in Peter’s Primacy
Even the early Church Fathers—who lived and wrote in the generations immediately following the apostles—acknowledged Peter's special role:
🧾 St. Irenaeus (c. 180 A.D.)
“...the very great, very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul.” (Against Heresies, 3:3:2)
🧾 Tertullian (c. 200 A.D.)
“Was anything hidden from Peter, who was called ‘the rock on which the Church was to be built’…?” (De Praescriptione Haereticorum, 22)
🧾 St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 251 A.D.)
“There is one Church and one Chair founded by Christ... the primacy is given to Peter.” (Epistle 43)
🕊️ What About the Term “Pope”?
The word "Pope" (from Latin Papa, meaning “Father”) is a title, not a doctrine. While the early Church may not have used the exact term immediately, the function of the papacy — that of Peter’s successor as leader and teacher of the whole Church — was already present in Rome.
📜 Historical Succession from Peter to Present
The Catholic Church maintains an unbroken line of succession from Saint Peter to Pope Francis today. Peter was the first bishop of Rome, and every bishop of Rome after him inherits his role. This is what Catholics mean when they say Peter was the first Pope.
⚖️ Protestant Objections and Misunderstandings
Many Protestants argue:
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“The Bible never mentions a Pope.”
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“Jesus is the only head of the Church.”
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“Peter made mistakes, so he couldn’t be the Pope.”
Catholics agree that Jesus is the true and eternal head of the Church. The Pope is His earthly representative, just like a prime minister represents a king in his absence (cf. Isaiah 22). And though Peter made mistakes (like denying Jesus), Christ still chose him — showing that leadership in the Church depends on Christ’s grace, not human perfection.
🙏 Conclusion: Peter Truly Was the First Pope
The biblical, historical, and patristic evidence shows that:
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Jesus gave Peter primacy among the apostles.
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The early Church recognized Peter’s special role.
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The bishop of Rome, as Peter’s successor, became the Pope.
While some may reject this belief, it remains deeply rooted in the Sacred Scripture and Tradition of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
💬 What Do You Think?
Do you agree or disagree with the Catholic position on Peter? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
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