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St. Peter became the leader of the early Church because Christ instituted him as the rock, upon which his Church would be built. Jesus told Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Mt 16:18-19). St. Peter was the recognized head of the Apostles. Although St. Paul was more active in the epistolary apostolate, he recognized the role of Cephas and his headship since after Paul's conversion, he sought out Peter in Jerusalem (Gal 1:18). The Gospel of John also stresses the primacy of Peter, since in John 21, Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep. Peter is charged with the leadership of the flock and taking care of his sheep, and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, appoints Peter as shepherd in Jesus' absence. Peter realizes this, and calls Jesus the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet 5:1-4), telling his fellow elders to take care of the flock that they were charged with. The difference is that the flock that Jesus gave Peter was not limited by boundaries or time, and Peter received the charge to take care of Christ's flock by Christ in the flesh! Not all elders in the early Church could make that claim. Rock, as something permanent, does not just pass away, which is why the leadership of the Church fell to Peter's successor, and after he died, to his successor, all the way down to Pope Benedict XVI.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Peter is often seen as the leader of the early Christian church because Jesus entrusted him with the keys to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing his authority. Peter also demonstrated great courage and faith, serving as a key figure in spreading the message of Christianity after Jesus' death and resurrection.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoIt was not god but Jesus who chose Petero lead the sheep.
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How is St. Peter the Apostle like Jesus?
St. Peter the Apostle is considered like Jesus in the Christian faith because he was very close to Jesus during his ministry and is often seen as a leader and key figure in the early Christian church, similarly to Jesus. Additionally, Peter is believed to have been given authority and responsibility by Jesus to lead and guide the church, mirroring Jesus' role as the founder and leader of Christianity.
Did God change Peter's name?
Yes, in the Bible, it is recorded that Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, which means "rock" in Greek. This symbolic change was meant to indicate that Peter would become a foundational leader in the Christian church.
How can Peter's first Epistle comfort us?
Peter's first Epistle offers comfort by reminding us that our suffering and trials have purpose and can lead to spiritual growth. It assures us of God's grace, faithfulness, and the hope of salvation through Christ. It encourages us to persevere in faith and to trust in God's plan for us, even in the midst of difficulties.
What are the weaknesses and strengths of Saint Peter?
The weaknesses of St. peter were always from his own will, when he tried to depend on himself, instead of Christ. For instance right before His trial, when St. Peter denied Him three times. His strength was entirely given to him by the Our Blessed Lord through the Holy Spirit. When he depended upon God to lead His Church, then he was strong.
Why did Jesus change Simon Peter name to Peter?
Jesus had been asking his disciples who people thought who he was. Then he asked the disciples what they throught and we read the following.MAT 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.Peter is "petros" in Greek. Literally it means rock. Here Jesus is using the word rock as a firm belief. This firm belief was that Jesus was "The Christ, the Son of God." Jesus is saying that the Church will be built on this doctrine.Roman Catholic AnswerGod has changed people's names throughout the Bible when He is changing their lives for His Church. He changed Abram's name to Abraham, Jacob was renamed Israel. Peter, which means "rock" in Hebrew (Kephas) and in Greek was never used as a name before this time; and Jesus was very specific saying that Peter was the rock, and upon this rock He would build His Church. Thus Peter became Christ's first Vicar on earth - a pattern established by God in his Davidic kingdom where the Vicar held the keys of the Kingdom and acted in the King's name.
Was Saint Peter the most important disciple?
Peter was the 'first among equals.' While he was chosen to lead the Church, he was also the 'servant of the servants of God' and was not only a leader but also was placed in that position to serve the Church and not as a monarch.
How do you choose between Methodist and Catholic churches?
If you believe that John Wesley and his brother hold the key to eternal salvation, then you choose the Church that they founded in the eighteenth century: the Methodist Church. If you believe that the Son of God, Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, holds the keys to salvation, then you choose the Church that He founded on St. Peter in the first century - the Catholic Church.
Who did Jesus choose to lead the apostles?
Leadership became apparent after what each individual did, they did not put someone in office, but put an office (or name) on what each individual did.
Which person did god chosoe to lead the slaves out of Egypt?
God choose Moses To Lead The Slaves Out Of Egypt.
Who did Jesus tell that he was rock or foundation of the church?
It was Peter. Peter knew who Jesus was, the Son of God.
Who did God say he would build a church on?
Peter the 'Rock' - Petrus.
Who did god choose to led his people?
God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt to Canaan.
What group did peter waldo established?
The Thyatiran Era of God's true church
Who did God choose to lead the slaves out to Egypt?
Actually god chose Moses to lead the people out of slavery in Egypt.Moses (Exodus ch.3).
How does the Church choose someone to become a saint?
The Church does not choose saints, only God can do that. However, the Church does have an investigative process to determine if the person is actually in heaven called the canonization process.
When did popes become leaders in churches?
Roman Catholic AnswerAround 33 A.D. when God sent the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at the first Pentecost, Peter became the first Pope and lead the Church.
Who is the pope's boss?
In the Christian faith, the pope is right below angels, Jesus, and God themselves The pope receives his authority from St. Peter who was charged by Jesus to lead the new Christian church.
