This episode addresses the crucial question: Was Peter truly the first pope? The conversation centers on how Catholic claims about papal authority compare to both scripture and early church history. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar walk through the biblical foundation for church leadership, pointing out that the early church operated more like a group of regional bishops working together, rather than under a single central figure. They explain how, over time, as Rome gained political and religious influence, the bishop of Rome came to be seen as preeminent—a development not rooted in scripture but in historical circumstance. The guys also address related doctrines, such as papal infallibility, which was not formally defined until the 1800s and remains debated even among Catholics. Test all traditions against scripture, which consistently affirms that Christ, not Peter or any other man, is the true and only head of the Church.

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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro