The Papacy, Keys, Peter, Vicar of Christ

The Papacy: A Journey Through History

The papacy, a unique institution in the world, has a history that intertwines with the very development of Western civilization. It is the office held by the pope, the bishop of Rome, who is the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The history of the papacy is a fascinating tale that spans over two millennia, reflecting the triumphs, challenges, and evolution of the Church and its place in the world.

Early Beginnings to the Middle Ages

The origins of the papacy can be traced back to Saint Peter, who is documented by historians as the first pope. From these early days, the role of the pope evolved significantly. During the Roman Empire, the papacy's influence grew as Christianity became more accepted, culminating in Emperor Constantine's conversion and the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted religious tolerance to Christians.

The Middle Ages saw the papacy grappling with various powers, such as the Byzantine Empire and the Frankish Kingdom. This period was marked by the Ostrogothic Papacy, Byzantine Papacy, and the influence of powerful Roman families. The Avignon Papacy (1309–1377) and the Western Schism (1378–1417) were particularly tumultuous times, with rival claimants to the papal throne and the relocation of the papacy to France.

Renaissance to the Modern Era

The Renaissance brought about a cultural flourishing that also affected the papacy. This era saw the rise of the Renaissance Papacy (1417–1534), which was characterized by patronage of the arts and a renewed focus on the intellectual and cultural aspects of the Church. However, this period also led to the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, which challenged the authority of the pope and led to significant religious and political upheaval.

The modern era of the papacy began in the late 18th century and has continued to the present day. This period has seen the papacy face new challenges, such as the unification of Italy and the loss of the Papal States, leading to the creation of Vatican City in 1929 as a sovereign city-state. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) marked a significant shift in the Church's approach to the modern world, promoting ecumenism and modernizing various Church practices.

The Papacy Today

Today, the papacy remains a vital religious and diplomatic entity. The pope's role has expanded to include not only spiritual leadership but also global advocacy for peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship. The current pope continues to navigate the complexities of modern society while upholding the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church.

The history of the papacy is a testament to the enduring nature of the institution and its ability to adapt and thrive amidst the ever-changing landscape of human history. It is a story of faith, power, and the human spirit, woven into the fabric of the Church and the world it serves.

Apologetics

Jesus in Matthew 16:17-19 says:

"Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Here Jesus changes Simon's name to 'Peter,' or "rock."  This is significant because in Scripture the rock image is always used to represent the Lord (Psalm 18:31).  

The changing of one's name shows a promotion of status.  For example, Abram becomes Abraham (Genesis 17:5). Jesus did this to show that Peter was to be His representative or vicar on Earth.  This is why the Pope is the "Vicar of Christ."   

He is also the VISIBLE head of the Church for this reason while Jesus is the INVISIBLE head.  Jesus is always the head. The pope just represents Jesus and never replaces Him!  The pope is a servant of Christ. His job is to tend to Christ's flock and protect what Christ has revealed.  

Again, he does not replace Jesus as if Jesus resigned or was a failure, rather, he stands in for Jesus as the visible head of the Church and chief shepherd.  

In Matthew 17:24-25 tax collectors approach Peter asking him if Jesus pays taxes.  Peter here is demonstrated as the representative of Christ or the Vicar of Christ.  

Some claim that the Greek word "petra" means pebble and not rock; however, the New Testament was written in Koine Greek and the word "petra" and "petros" means simply 'rock.'  All scholars agree with this.  Had Jesus wanted to call Simon "small rock or pebble," the appropriate word would have been "lithos."  To further give more evidence to what Jesus actually meant, we must remember that Jesus did not speak Greek.  He spoke Aramaic.  The word Jesus actually used in his native tongue was, "Kepha" which means 'rock.'   Peter is the rock upon which Christ built His Holy Catholic Church.  To my knowledge, there exists no Bible - with the exception of the Watchtower that alters texts - that states, "You are Peter and on this small stone/pebble I will build my Church."  This is a clear indication that the use of the word "rock" was intentional.   

Keys are an important tool in human society. They can lock and unlock things.  Keys are also a sign of possession or ownership.  If I have the keys to a house, car, motorcycle, or bank vault; I control them - I own them.  As long as I hold the keys and no one else does, I have absolute authority.  Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of Heaven, what does this mean?  Is Jesus going on vacation and giving the keys to his place to a mortal?  No, not at all.  

Jesus as a descendant of King David is imitating the gesture of King Hezekiah in Isaiah 22:20-22.  Hezekiah gives the keys to the kingdom of the House of David to his servant Eliakim.  In the Jewish biblical tradition, this gesture grants royal dynastic authority and shows succession as the leader or prime minister of the House of David.  By giving Peter the keys to His kingdom, Christ is giving Peter the authority to represent Him and the authority to change things or leave them as is.  The key is also referred to in Revelations 3:7.  This is further evidence that Jesus was in fact doing the same as Hezekiah.  

The Primacy of Peter

While Peter was indeed an Apostle just like the other 11, he still had a unique role.  In the New Testament, Peter is mentioned by himself 155 times as opposed to the other Apostles who are mentioned together 130 times.  Peter is mentioned first in the New Testament (Matt. 10:2; Mark 1:36; 3:16; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 2:37; 5:29).  Coincidence?  Not at all.  It is human custom to name the most important person in a group first.  This custom is still used today in the 21st century.  We will always announce a President, Queen or King, Principal, or University President first before others.  

Peter was the only Apostle invited by Jesus to "walk on water," literally (Matt. 14:28-29)  This shows that Jesus had a particular plan for Him in mind and was preparing him by giving him a lesson on what it means to be faithful even when one is surrounded by turbulent waters and wind.  

As the leader of the Church, Peter and his successors must be strong in faith even if it means contradicting the world.  The world would say not to walk on water because you will sink and drown; however, if God says to do it, even if it makes no sense, we have to do it!  

In John 21:15-17, Jesus specifically commands Peter to feed his sheep and lambs.  He asks Peter if he loves Him three times and then commands three times to feed his sheep and lambs.  This was a foreshadowing of the three times Peter would deny Him (John 18:15-18)  This also shows that no matter how weak Peter was, this did not take away from his authority or validity as Pope.  Despite being called "Holy Father," the Pope is still a sinner and subject to personal failings.  Nevertheless, his office remains firm and valid despite the failings of the man holding it.  

Peter was also a direct target of Satan.  In Luke 22:31-32  Jesus tells Peter that Satan wanted to sift him up like wheat.  This shows that Satan was aware of the importance of Peter and wanted to strike at him directly.  The evidence from Scripture alone is overwhelming in regards to the primacy of St. Peter.  

The Early Christians had this to say:

"The blessed Peter, the chosen, the preeminent, the first among the disciples, for whom alone with himself the Savior paid the tribute, quickly grasped and understood their meaning. And what does he say? ‘Behold, we have left all and have followed you’. - Clement of Alexandria 

"For though you think that heaven is still shut up, remember that the Lord left the keys of it to Peter here, and through him to the Church, which keys everyone will carry with him if he has been questioned and made a confession of faith" - Tertullian

"Be it known to you, my lord, that Simon [Peter], who, for the sake of the true faith, and the most sure foundation of his doctrine, was set apart to be the foundation of the Church, and for this end was by Jesus himself, with his truthful mouth, named Peter, the first fruits of our Lord, the first of the apostles; to whom first the Father revealed the Son; whom the Christ, with good reason, blessed; the called, and elect" - The Letter of Clement to James

"Be it known to you, my lord, that Simon Peter, who, for the sake of the true faith, and the most sure foundation of his doctrine, was set apart to be the foundation of the Church, and for this end was by Jesus himself, with his truthful mouth, named Peter" - The Letter of Clement to James

It is obvious that Peter had a significant role as Pope in the first century up to his death whereupon St. Linus took over the Papacy.  

In fact, three popes are mentioned in the Bible, Peter in several places (Matthew 16:18, etc), Linus in 2 Timothy 4:21, and Clement in Philippians 4:3. 

No academic or historian denies this historical truth. The Encyclopedia Britannica, a well-respected source for academic information include the list of popes that beings with Peter, Linus, etc up to now Pope Francis (see:Papacy - Popes, Antipopes, Succession | Britannica).

The papacy is something Jesus created, not the Catholic Church. It is strickly a biblical concept supported by Scripture and Tradition, as well as history.  The pope is needed in Christianity. He is the rock, successor of Peter, Vicar of Christ and the guardian of the faith who keeps the Church united.