The development of papal power, from the early Church to the establishment of the Papal States, is one of the most controversial narratives in Christian history. The Faith of Our Fathers attempts to trace the Pope's temporal authority from St. Peter to the modern era, portraying it as a natural, divinely-ordained process. It claims that Peter was the "Prince of the Apostles," that early Christians willingly donated their wealth to the Church, and that the Pope's role as a political ruler was a logical progression of spiritual leadership.
But how accurate is this portrayal? Did Peter see himself as a "Prince of the Apostles"? Did early Christians donate land and wealth to create the foundation for papal dominance? And most importantly, does any of this align with biblical teaching? This essay will critically examine the key claims made in The Faith of Our Fathers, exposing historical inaccuracies, misinterpretations, and contradictions with the King James Bible (KJB).
Claim 1: St. Peter Was the "Prince of the Apostles"
The book asserts that St. Peter was the first Pope and the "Prince of the Apostles," implying that he had supreme authority over the other apostles. It presents Peter as a figure of kingly status, wielding the "keys of the kingdom" and commanding other apostles like subjects.
Historical Reality
The concept of Peter as the "Prince of the Apostles" is a later invention. In the New Testament, Peter is never referred to as a "prince," "king," or "supreme ruler" of the Church. He is an apostle, a "fellow elder" (1 Peter 5:1), and a humble servant of Christ. The idea of "princeship" goes against everything Peter himself taught about Christian leadership.
1 Peter 5:1-3 (KJB) — "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder... Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
Peter explicitly warns against lording over God's people, which would include the idea of "princeship." In fact, if Peter were alive today, he would likely be horrified to hear himself called a "prince." As a humble fisherman, Peter's entire ministry revolved around service, humility, and self-denial, not power or authority.
Furthermore, Scripture shows that Peter did not exercise supreme authority over the apostles. When the Jerusalem Council convened in Acts 15, Peter did speak, but the final decision was made by James, not Peter. If Peter were the "Prince of the Apostles," it would be expected that he would make the final ruling.
Acts 15:13-19 (KJB) — After Peter had spoken, James declared, "My sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God."
The idea that Peter was the "Prince of the Apostles" is a fabrication designed to elevate the position of the Bishop of Rome. Instead of being a monarch, Peter considered himself a fellow worker, a "bondservant of Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1).
Biblical Contradictions
Matthew 23:11-12 — "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Jesus condemns the concept of one leader exalting himself over others.
Luke 22:25-26 — Jesus taught, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them... But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger."
1 Peter 2:5, 9— Peter emphasizes that all believers are part of a "royal priesthood," not a hierarchy led by a single "prince" among the apostles.
Conclusion of Claim 1:The notion of Peter as the "Prince of the Apostles" is an unbiblical invention. Peter referred to himself as a "fellow elder," not a ruler, and James, not Peter, presided over the Jerusalem Council. The concept of "princeship" would have horrified Peter himself, as it contradicts everything Jesus taught about humility and service.
Claim 2: Early Christians Donated Land and Wealth to the Church
The book claims that early Christians sold their possessions and gave the proceeds to the apostles, thereby providing the Church with wealth to establish its temporal power. This is based on Acts 4:34-35, which describes how early Christians shared their possessions for the common good.
Historical Reality
It is true that early Christians supported one another financially, but it is a gross misrepresentation to claim that these donations were intended to create a political empire. The sharing of possessions was a short-term measure to meet the immediate needs of the growing Christian community.
Acts 4:34-35 (KJB) — "Neither was there any among them that lacked... and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."
The apostles did not use these funds to enrich the Church or purchase land. In fact, Peter declares:
Acts 3:6 (KJB) — "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee."
Peter had no money, despite overseeing the donations mentioned in Acts 4. If the Church had been amassing wealth, Peter would not have been poor. This alone refutes the claim that early Christians' donations were the foundation of the Church's wealth.
Conclusion of Claim 2:Early Christians voluntarily shared their wealth, but this was never intended to create Church property, power, or empire. Peter explicitly disavowed wealth in Acts 3:6, and the apostles distributed the money to meet immediate needs, not to accumulate power.
Claim 3: The Rise of Papal Temporal Power
The book claims that after Constantine legalized Christianity, he donated vast sums of money and land to the Church, leading to the establishment of the Papal States.
Historical Reality
The "Donation of Constantine," often cited as evidence, was later proven to be a forgery. This document claimed that Constantine granted the Bishop of Rome authority over large portions of Italy and the Western Roman Empire. It was used to justify the Pope's temporal power for centuries, but it was exposed as fraudulent in the 15th century by Lorenzo Valla, an Italian humanist and scholar.
John 18:36 (KJB) — Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world."
By declaring that His kingdom was not of this world, Jesus made it clear that the Church was never meant to have earthly, political authority.
Matthew 20:25-26 (KJB) — "Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them... But it shall not be so among you."
Once again, Jesus rejects the concept of political dominance among His followers. If the Papal States were truly "of God," they would not be ruled like worldly kingdoms.
Conclusion
The claims made in The Faith of Our Fathers about Peter’s “princeship,” early Christian donations, and the rise of papal temporal power are rooted in myth, forgery, and political opportunism. Peter never referred to himself as a "prince" but as a "fellow elder" (1 Peter 5:1-3), and James, not Peter, presided at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13-19). Early Christians shared their resources for survival, not empire-building, and Peter himself had no money (Acts 3:6).
Finally, the so-called "Donation of Constantine," often used to justify papal rule, was a proven forgery. Scripture teaches that Jesus' kingdom is spiritual, not political (John 18:36), and His followers were never meant to "exercise dominion" over others (Matthew 20:25-26).
Isaiah 8:20 (KJB) — "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
If Peter himself could speak today, he would no doubt be horrified to hear himself called the "Prince of the Apostles" or the inspiration for papal monarchy. As a humble fisherman, his only ambition was to follow Jesus. Any claim to the contrary is not rooted in Scripture but in the ambitions of men.
The Church of Christ was founded on humility, truth, and spiritual power — not wealth, forged documents, or temporal rule.
It’s important to continue exploring the broader teachings of Peter, who consistently emphasized the importance of living a life that reflects Christ’s example. Throughout his epistles, Peter encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, to endure suffering with hope, and to live in harmony with one another. His teachings underscore the necessity of humility, holiness, and the pursuit of righteousness, all while keeping in mind the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provided the only true atonement for sin. Peter's letters serve as a guide to living out the Christian faith authentically, focusing on love, forgiveness, and obedience to God’s Word, all of which build a strong foundation for Christian community and personal growth. As we continue to examine Peter’s teachings, we see that love and faithfulness are not merely ideals, but practical actions that every believer is called to demonstrate in their daily lives.
1 Peter 1:5 —"Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
In this verse, Peter is speaking to believers, assuring them that their salvation is secure and protected by God's power. This passage emphasizes that it is not the believers' own strength or effort that keeps them in the faith, but rather God’s power that preserves them until the end. It also points to the hope of salvation, which will be fully revealed in the last time—a reference to the second coming of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of salvation in eternal life.
Key Elements of the Verse:
"Who are kept by the power of God"
This phrase reminds believers that their salvation and spiritual security are kept or protected by the power of God. The Greek word for "kept" here implies a guarding or preserving force, suggesting that believers are being actively protected by God's strength. It is not by their own efforts that they remain faithful, but by God's powerful intervention and preservation.
"Through faith"
Although it is God’s power that preserves believers, this preservation happens through faith. Faith is the means by which believers continue in the grace of God. It is not passive; believers must actively trust in God's promises and rely on Him for their strength. Their faith is a key instrument through which God’s power works to keep them secure.
"Unto salvation"
The ultimate goal of this divine protection and preserving power is salvation. This refers to the final, complete deliverance that believers will experience when Christ returns and they are fully transformed and saved. Salvation is not only a past event (when they first believed) but an ongoing process, culminating in their ultimate redemption.
"Ready to be revealed in the last time"
Peter points to the future revelation of salvation when Christ returns. Though believers already have salvation in part (through faith in Christ), the fullness of salvation will be revealed at the last time, which refers to the end of the age and the second coming of Christ. At that time, believers will experience the complete and final manifestation of salvation in their glorified bodies and eternal life with God.
Deeper Meaning
1 Peter 1:5 is a comforting assurance for believers, especially those facing trials and persecution. It teaches that their salvation is secure and that God’s power is the guarantee that they will endure to the end. This should bring confidence and peace to the believer’s heart, knowing that their salvation does not depend on their own strength but on God’s unchanging and protective power.
Additionally, this verse nullifies the need for endless Catholic sacraments as a means of ensuring salvation. In Catholicism, sacraments such as the Eucharist, confession, and baptism are often taught as necessary for the forgiveness of sins and for maintaining one’s state of grace. However, 1 Peter 1:5 stresses that it is God’s power that preserves the believer, and salvation is secured through faith, not through repeated rituals or sacraments. The ultimate salvation is already assured, ready to be revealed when Christ returns, meaning believers do not need ongoing sacrifices or rites to maintain their salvation.
This verse makes clear that salvation is final and secure through Christ, negating the necessity for the repeated, man-made rituals and sacraments that Catholicism teaches as essential for spiritual security.
1 Peter 1:18 —"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;"
In this verse, Peter reminds believers that their redemption—or salvation—was not bought with material things like silver or gold, which are perishable. Instead, the price of their redemption was the precious blood of Christ (as mentioned earlier in verse 19). The verse also emphasizes that human traditions or the ways of life passed down through generations cannot redeem or save anyone. It is not through worldly wealth or ancestral customs that believers are saved, but through the sacrifice of Christ.
(Yet, prayer cards continue to be sold unnecessarily!)
Key Points:
Not redeemed with corruptible things
Believers are not saved by money, possessions, or tradition. Material wealth is fleeting and cannot purchase salvation. The redemption Christ offers is far more valuable and eternal than anything this world can provide.
From vain conversation
The “vain conversation” refers to a meaningless lifestyle or empty ways of life inherited from previous generations. These ways are unable to bring true salvation.
Application and Impact:
1 Peter 1:18 directly challenges the Catholic view of salvation through rituals and sacraments, such as the purchase of indulgences or reliance on traditions like prayers for the dead. It reminds believers that true redemption does not come from corruptible things, but through Christ’s sacrifice alone. This verse reinforces that salvation is not earned through rituals or material exchanges, but is the result of God’s grace through faith in Christ.
1 Peter 1:18 emphasizes that salvation cannot be bought with wealth or man-made traditions. It is a gift from God, secured by Christ’s sacrificial death. This verse contradicts the Catholic idea that sacraments and rituals, such as indulgences or prayers for the dead, can secure salvation, reinforcing that redemption is only through Christ.
1 Peter 1:23—"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
In this verse, Peter speaks about the new birth that believers experience through the Word of God. Unlike the physical birth, which is temporary and from corruptible seed, the spiritual birth is eternal and from incorruptible seed—the living and enduring Word of God. This new birth marks a transformation in the believer, making them spiritually alive in Christ. It highlights that salvation and spiritual renewal are not based on human effort or tradition, but on God's Word, which is eternal.
Key Points:
Born again
Believers experience a spiritual rebirth, a transformation that gives them new life in Christ.
Incorruptible seed
The source of this new birth is the Word of God, which is everlasting, not corruptible or temporary like earthly things.
By the Word of God
This new birth is brought about through God’s Word, which has the power to bring life and is the true foundation for a believer’s faith.
Application and Impact:
1 Peter 1:23 reinforces that salvation is not from human rituals or man-made traditions, but from the living Word of God. This directly challenges Catholic doctrines that place emphasis on sacraments like baptism or the Eucharist for spiritual rebirth. Instead, this verse teaches that the new birth and spiritual transformation come solely through God’s Word, which is eternal and never changes.
If people are transformed by the living Word of God, then why does the RCC, in modern times, filter it through the lens of clergy, instead of encouraging Catholics to read it directly for themselves?
1 Peter 2:5—"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
In this verse, Peter describes believers as lively stones that are built up into a spiritual house—a holy priesthood. The believers, who are spiritually alive in Christ, form a collective temple where they offer spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God, not through rituals or physical offerings, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This emphasizes that the priesthood of believers is not a select, humanly ordained group, but all Christians have direct access to God through Christ and can offer spiritual sacrifices in worship.
Key Points:
Lively stones, spiritual house
Believers are seen as living stones that make up a spiritual house (a metaphor for the Church), built upon the foundation of Christ.
Holy priesthood
All believers, not just a select clergy, are part of the priesthood in Christ. Each believer has the privilege of being a priest and offering spiritual sacrifices to God.
Spiritual sacrifices
The sacrifices believers offer are spiritual—these are not animal sacrifices or any physical offerings, but acts of worship, service, and devotion made acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Application and Impact:
1 Peter 2:5 directly contradicts the Catholic view of a hierarchical priesthood that mediates between God and the people. According to this verse, every believer is part of a holy priesthood and has direct access to God. The verse also challenges the notion of sacraments like the Eucharist or penance as necessary for offering sacrifices to God, as it stresses that believers can offer spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ, not through rituals.
1 Peter 2:11 —"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."
In this verse, Peter urges believers to recognize their temporary status on Earth, calling them strangers and pilgrims—not permanent residents of this world but citizens of a heavenly kingdom. He then exhorts them to abstain from fleshly lusts—desires and behaviors that are contrary to God's will, as these things wage war against the soul and hinder spiritual growth.
Key Points:
Strangers and pilgrims
Believers are reminded that they are temporary residents on Earth. Their true citizenship is in God’s eternal kingdom, and they should live with that perspective in mind.
Abstaining from fleshly lusts
Peter warns against sinful desires and actions that are focused on satisfying the flesh. These temptations are destructive and create a spiritual battle within the soul.
War against the soul
Fleshly lusts don’t just lead to sin; they wage spiritual warfare against the soul, hindering a believer's relationship with God and their growth in holiness.
Application and Impact:
This verse encourages believers to live holy lives and avoid worldly temptations, as these can disrupt their spiritual journey. It directly challenges any notion of finding comfort or permanence in worldly pleasures, suggesting that Christians should keep their focus on their heavenly calling and purpose.
1 Peter 2:25 —"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."
In this verse, Peter compares believers to sheep who had gone astray due to sin, but now have been returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, referring to Jesus Christ. The imagery of sheep going astray emphasizes humanity's tendency toward sin and waywardness, but through Christ's redemptive work, believers are brought back into a right relationship with God.
Key Points:
Sheep going astray
This represents the natural state of humanity, prone to sin and spiritual wandering away from God.
Returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls
Jesus is described as the Shepherd (one who cares for and leads His people) and the Bishop (the overseer) of our souls, guiding believers back to spiritual health and salvation.
Christ’s role in salvation
Jesus, as the Shepherd, lovingly seeks and saves those who are lost, and as the Bishop, He watches over and cares for the well-being of believers' souls.
Application and Impact:
This verse emphasizes that salvation is entirely God’s work through Christ. The believer is not left to wander but is lovingly rescued and restored by Christ, who leads them back into a proper relationship with God. This speaks against any human priesthood or mediation for salvation, as Christ alone is the true Shepherd and overseer of souls.
Question
How can the Roman Catholic Church, a man-made religious and political institution, claim to be the bishops of our souls?
A) The "Holy Father" has elevated himself to a position reserved only for Christ.
B) They preach from palaces, which contradicts the call for humility.
C) If their priests were truly filled with the Holy Spirit, sins like pedophilia and homosexuality wouldn't exist, as Scripture teaches that those born of God cannot sin because His seed remains in them (1 John 3:9 KJB), and that sin has no dominion over those reborn (Romans 6:14 KJB).
1 Peter 4:3 —"For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries."
In this verse, Peter is reminding Christians that their past lives before coming to Christ were characterized by sinful behavior that was in line with Gentile (non-Christian) practices. The phrase "for the time past" means that the period of living in sin should be seen as enough. They have already spent enough time living in lasciviousness (excessive indulgence in sinful pleasures), lusts, drunkenness, wild parties, feasts, and idolatry, and now, as believers, they are to leave those things behind.
Key Points:
"Time past"
The past sinful life is sufficient, meaning there is no need to continue in that behavior. The believer is encouraged to move beyond their former way of life.
Sinful behaviors listed
Peter lists various sins (e.g., lasciviousness, lusts, drunkenness, reveling) to emphasize how sinful behavior was once the norm. These are actions associated with living without regard for God’s holiness.
Separation from the world
Believers are to no longer walk in the ways of the world, characterized by these sinful habits. Instead, they are called to live in holiness and follow Christ.
Application and Impact:
This verse serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the transformation that takes place when someone follows Christ. The Christian is not to continue living in the ways of sin that they once practiced, as they have been redeemed from those things. It highlights the need for change and separation from worldly, sinful living as a sign of the new life in Christ.
1 Peter 4:17 —"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"
In this verse, Peter is emphasizing that God’s judgment begins with believers — specifically, the house of God, which refers to the church or the body of believers. Judgment must start with those who profess faith in Christ to purify and refine them. Peter warns that if God’s judgment begins with the church, then the fate of those who reject the gospel and live in disobedience will be far worse, as they will face ultimate judgment without salvation.
Key Points:
Judgment begins with the house of God
God’s judgment starts with believers, not because they are condemned, but to purify and refine them (see 1 Peter 1:7). This serves as a test of their faith and obedience.
The church’s responsibility
Believers are expected to live in obedience to God’s Word, and God will hold them accountable. The purpose is to sanctify the church, not to punish it, but to show the seriousness of holiness.
What about the disobedient?
If the righteous face judgment for their actions, how much more severe will it be for those who reject the gospel? This emphasizes the importance of accepting Christ and living according to His teachings.
Application and Impact:
This verse serves as a warning and a call to righteousness. It reminds believers that their actions will be judged by God, and they must live with integrity and holiness. It also serves as a reminder to the unbelievers that rejecting the gospel will lead to a far worse fate in the end. For the church, it highlights the importance of judgment as part of sanctification and encourages a closer walk with Christ.
1 Peter 5:5 —"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
In this verse, Peter gives a command for humility and submission. He begins by urging the younger members of the church to submit to the elders (those in positions of spiritual authority). Then, he broadens this command to include all believers, emphasizing that everyone should be subject to one another, fostering an attitude of mutual humility. The reason for this is clear: God opposes the proud but shows grace to the humble.
Key Points:
Submission to elders
The younger people in the church are specifically told to submit to the elders, recognizing their authority and wisdom in the faith.
Mutual submission and humility
It’s not just the younger who are called to humility. Every believer is to be subject to one another, cultivating a spirit of cooperation, love, and humility within the church body.
God’s opposition to pride
God resists the proud — He does not support those who are arrogant or self-exalting. On the other hand, He gives grace to those who humble themselves before Him and others. (This raises the question: Are past popes in heaven?)
Application and Impact:
This verse underscores the importance of humility in the Christian life. Pride is a barrier to receiving God’s grace, while humility opens the way for His blessing and favor. It’s a reminder to believers to respect authority, serve one another with humility, and recognize that in God’s kingdom, the humble are exalted, not the proud.
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