The Face and Fascade of Hypocrisy...​

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Last but not least, there's this:

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?" 

Galatians 2:11-14, NASU

So here is Peter, put on a pedestal, given the 'corner office' that those who 'bestow' so gratuitously do so, that they may occupy  it for themselves by proxy and privilege, enticed by their own desires (James 1:14-16).

Enter all the Johnny-come-lately's  and 'wanna be' Peters  who 'seat' themselves through Peter:

   Not by the Godhead 
   Not acknowledged by anyone else including fellow apostles
   Not set apart by God for any such role
   Not given anything  remotely resembling 'plenary authority'
   Not having such an 'office' created in 'him'
   Not recognizing himself but only Christ as 'Chief Shepherd'         (1 Peter 5:1-4)

   Not showing a hint of seeking the position for or by himself​​​​​

​Running in Vain?...

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I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 

What's this? Paul did not head to Jerusalem where it all began?

18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother.  Galatians 1:16-19, NASU

Why did Paul go Jerusalem after three years? To became 'acquainted' with Peter. Hardly comes across  like any foreshadowing of a future 'Vatican' call to duty. Surprise visit?

Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. Galatians 2:1

Was it because Paul was finally summoned by the 'hierarchal powers that be' that he went up to Jerusalem again? 

It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.  Galatians 2:2, NASU ​​​

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​'Lots' to Consider...

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Remember, this outcome is not a lottery and is not won by chance, good luck, numerology or the like. Like the Ethiopian Eunuch, you place your lot with the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:28-39). It is a sure thing through faith in God (Proverbs 16:31-33 esp. verse 33; Acts 1:21-26 esp. 24-26).​ 

The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33, NASU

And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they drew lots for them... 
Acts 1:24-26, NASU

As the Godhead is always with us, does one really think by trying to 'control' Peter in absentia, one rules the world? 
(I was going to use the word 'honestly' instead of 'really' but didn't think associating honesty with dishonesty was appropriate. Besides, what has honesty ever done to the Vatican? Now conversely...)​​​​​​

​Protocol, Policy and Politics...​

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Then here's Paul (and one can readily read about his own sufferings and amazing commitment to the Gospel) who prior to his conversion even sought and obtained 'a letter of authorization' to persecute Christians...

9 "So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. 12 "While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, Acts 26:9-12, NASU​

Conversely, Paul wasn't looking for an equivalent permission from Peter or other contemporaries to preach the Gospel boldly- acknowledging the only thing he was 'chief' of, was

15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15, NKJV.

To 'cap' off a false claim, instead of a feather, all one has is a  bee in one's bonnet. 

As Shakespeare would have it...to 'bee' or not to 'be'?  Getting the right answers is contingent to asking the right questions with the right motives. You have asked the wrong questions with the wrong motives and by comparing yourselves to yourselves- have not the right answers.​​​​​

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​​The Claim: "A further step was the appointment of St. Peter to be the chief of the Twelve."  :  Catholic Answers : This website from Catholic Answers, with all its many resources, is the world’s largest source of explanations for Catholic beliefs and practices. A fully independent, lay-run, 501(c)(3) ministry...

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The only thing 'further' about this 'step' is that it couldn't be 'farther' from the truth

The Right Hand of Fellowship...

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Even when challenged by false brethren intent on digging up dirt on the issue of circumcision- Paul wouldn't yield ground on the truth of the Gospel.

5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. Gal 2:5.

Now read the following carefully. It shows that even God and specifically Jesus, did not invest upon Peter or anyone else, any title or office amounting to 'Papal' authority or 'Pope in waiting' designation for anybody- past, present or future.

6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised 8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do. Galatians 2:5-10, NASU​​​

​References...

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Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 

5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew 17:1-6, NKJV​​​​​

Are you greatly afraid or just falling 'flat on your face?'

​​​​​​Was Peter the first Pope or 'chief of the twelve'? Does biblical scripture authenticate and/or support such a claim?  Part 1

DIRECTIONS

​THEREABOUTS

What the Gospel is Not...

19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,  21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21, NKJV​

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.

For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12, NASU

After this, did Paul go immediately to Peter, that Peter as 'Pope' or 'chief of the Twelve' might confer upon Paul some measure of Peter's supposed 'plenary authority'?

That of course, would have surely been a natural expectation had Peter had the kind of judicial rule and administrative authority alluded to by 'Catholic Answers'. Proof please! 

I have found no scriptural proof that Peter claimed such and no evidence that 'others' even acknowledged any such standing.​​​​

​Chief Shepherd?...

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If anyone was to be appointed 'Chief Shepherd' of the twelve on earth by God, would the Apostle Paul have been in the running? 

He wrote so many of the New Testament epistles and was so regarded by the Godhead as to receive a personal revelation and mandate from Jesus Christ Himself on the road to Damascas. Mind you, every one receives a personal invite from God through Jesus on the cross (John 3:16-18).

Bear in mind the invitation is critical but the  R.S.V.P. is what gets you through 'the Door' (John 10:7-11; Acts 2: 36-38, 40-41, 47; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Romans 6:3-14).

Paul's zeal for God, his unflinching courage, example, background  and love for his brethren and 'all' would have made him the best fit according to 'best practices'. That's such a contrast to those today who would push 'mediocre practices'.​​​​

Not a Numbers Game...

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​It is more than interesting that even Peter recounted how God the Father twice in his presence put the 'seal' of the Godhead directly on Jesus the Christ, His one and only begotten Son. Well, in trying to crown Peter as Pope, is it all a matter of 'control'? You know one can't control the Godhead and as evidenced in every chapter of history the incredibly vast majority of humankind plus one forever, definitely have not known God in a scriptural sense and have not/are not, willing to submit to God. Did I hear someone say 'Noah's Ark'? Now, there's a real mountain to climb but definitely worth the ascent. Talk about resting between a Rock (Petra) and a hard place!  In addition to the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel, the remaining percentage according to Revelation still amount to a  multitude no one could count!  (Revelation 7:4; 7:9-17) 

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." NASU​​​​​

28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not  answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord. 30 “They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my  reproof. 31 “So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices. 32 “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33 “But he who listens to me shall live securely And will be at ease from the dread of  evil.” 

Proverbs 1:28-33, NASU

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LORD'S DAY

All Academic- ​Position Filled...

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However, the job and 'office' was already taken by the 'perfect' choice. One Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior. The one and only perfect fit for Chief Shepherd, as acknowledged by both Paul and Peter  (1 Peter 5:1-11 esp. verse 4) and all in scripture 'worth their salt'. He held/holds a number of other 'positions' as well. Author and Perfector of our faith, the Word, Immanuel, High Priest after the order of Melchezzadek, oh and did I mention 'God' (John 1)? 

I would be remiss to point out Jesus came with the highest of references possible. For example, Matthew 3:16-17, NKJV

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." ​​​​

the churches of Christ Salute You   ​Romans 16:16

​Ignorance is Not Bliss...

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I realize, through scripture some pretty difficult things are being said here. Galatians 4:16, So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? NASU

Where the Godhead wants all their sheep 'in the know' the Vatican's trade mark has always been to peddle its wares by trafficking in ignorance in every corner of the world starting in Rome. In the end, it all comes out in the 'wash' and 'regeneration' before the throne of God. Laundering lies into truth? You could 'gain' the world yet not have enough coin for that. Now that's putting a different 'spin' on it, is it not?

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.  

2 Peter 1:16-18​​​​​

​The Lord Turned and Looked...​

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If anything, Jesus admonishing and reminding Peter to shepherd and tend the flock lends itself as much to the fact that Peter, in spite of his bold 'boasts' about willingness to die with and for Christ, denied Christ three times just as Jesus said he would (Luke 22:61-62). This is the same Peter who had to be shown a vision three times before accepting that the door of faith should be opened to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-23). The same Peter who would be confronted to his face by Paul in Antioch for 'snubbing' the Gentiles and leading others down the same path of hypocrisy when a Jewish party of the circumcision arrived (Galatians 2:11-14). 

The preponderance of the evidence demonstrates Jesus felt Peter needed to hear that particular message in no uncertain terms, no matter how much it 'hurt'.

Christ looked him in the eyes and Peter wept bitterly.

The church of whom Jesus is the head, must not be left alone, abandoned, denied or 'snubbed'. A good shepherd 'lays' down his life for the sheep. Jesus went on to indicate how Peter would end up doing 'just that', as would other good shepherds.

The word 'tend' in Greek or English by the way, means primarily to 'pasture' and 'feed', just what a shepherd does in the normal run of things. ​

Beware wolves in sheep's clothing who would pull the wool over your eyes with the yarns they spin.

Blah, blah, blah or should it be, bah, bah, bah? 

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Ironically so, with your own wool. To tend or pretend?