In searching the scriptures we find nothing said of the Pope. There is no supreme earthly head of the church.
1. Matthew 23:8-10 “call no man father upon this earth” In other words call no man “Pope.”
2. Matthew 16:13-18 “Thou art Peter” (Stone) - and “upon this rock” (Christ) - The foundation of the church is Christ, not Peter nor any other mere man. Paul clearly affirms Christ (not the Pope) is the foundation and head of the church (1 Corinthians 3:10-11; Ephesians 1:22-23).
3. Matthew 16:18-19; Matthew 18:18 - the “keys of the kingdom” and the power to “bind and loose” were given to all the apostles - not just to Peter.
4. Peter neither claimed nor exercised power over the other apostles. Peter identified himself as “an apostle” not the chief or head apostle (1 Peter 1:1). Peter also served as “an elder” among other elders of equal authority (1 Peter 5:1-4).
5. There is absolutely nothing in the book of Acts that would support the supremacy of Peter. Acts records the work and preaching of the apostles. There is not one line about Peter being the Pope.
6. What about the writings of Paul? a. Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (Peter) all classified as “only ministers” (1 Corinthians 1:12). b. Paul said Peter had a “wife” (1 Corinthians 9:5). Whoever heard
of an unmarried Pope? (See also Matthew 8:14) c. Paul claimed equal authority with all of the other apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5).
Conclusion: If you believe the Bible you must reject the Pope. If you believe the Pope you must reject the Bible. They are mutually exclusive  (also study Galatians 2:1-13; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 10:25-26).

—Randy Kea; Forest Park, GA
 

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