The Ecclesiological Role of Peter in the Development of Catholic Theology in the First Two Centuries

The role of apostle Peter in the New Testament, especially in the Four Gospels, is undeniably outstanding. He always stands in front of the Twelve and becomes one of their representatives during the ministry of Jesus in the Gospels. The fact that Peter’s special role as one of the leading apostles is undeniable, yet this does not mean that he has supremacy over other disciples. Peter’s special role as one of leading disciples in the New Testament cannot be an evidence that he was the first pope. Though there is no biblical evidence that Peter was supreme in the early church, Peter’s place in Catholic theology is not only prominent but also supreme. He is the foundation of the Roman Catholic hierarchical structure of the Church government. Knowing that Peter in the New Testament has a prominent role, it is crucial to know that his role as one of the leading apostles in the very early years of church history does not necessarily assume his supremacy over against other apostles as the Roman Catholic theology claims. If Peter was really the first pope, there must be textual evidence that shows his supreme position as the foundation of the Roman Catholic supremacy in the early writings. In addition to the fact that he was one of the leading apostles, if Peter really took the hierarchical position of the early church, we must be able to see this in the writings outside the Bible during the life of early church. Thus I have focused writings of the first two centuries, to see if there was any clue that Peter was supreme.