Is the Church Built on Peter or on Christ?

By Nick Bibile

A key passage used to support Peter’s primacy is Matthew 16:18:

“Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

The Greek words used here are significant:

• Petros = a small stone

• Petra = a large rock or foundation

Jesus distinguishes between Peter (a stone) and “this rock” (the foundation). Many interpret the “rock” as Peter’s confession—that Jesus is the Christ—or Christ Himself, not Peter as an individual.

This interpretation is supported elsewhere:

• 1 Corinthians 10:4 — “That Rock was Christ.”

• Ephesians 2:20 — Christ is the “chief cornerstone.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:11 — “No other foundation… than Jesus Christ.”

Even Peter describes believers as “living stones” built upon Christ, the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5–6).

The “Keys of the Kingdom”

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom.” However, this authority is not exclusive to Peter.

In Matthew 18:18, the same authority to “bind and loose” is given to all the apostles, indicating shared authority within the Church. The “keys” symbolize the opening of the gospel—first to the Jews (Acts 2) and then to the Gentiles (Acts 10)—through Peter’s ministry, but not a permanent, exclusive office.

Ultimately, Scripture teaches that Christ alone holds ultimate authority:

• Revelation 1:18 — He holds the keys of death and Hades

• Revelation 3:7 — He alone opens and shuts

Who Is the True Head of the Church?

The New Testament consistently affirms that Jesus Christ alone is the head, foundation, and ruler of the Church. Human leaders serve as servants and shepherds, not as supreme rulers in Christ’s place.

Conclusion

The Bible does not present Peter as the first pope, nor does it support the idea of a singular, infallible human head of the Church. Instead, it consistently points to Jesus Christ as:

• The Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)

• The Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)

• The Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)

• The Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4)

Any system that elevates a man to a position that belongs uniquely to Christ must be carefully examined in light of Scripture.

As Hebrews 13:8 declares:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The Church stands secure not on any human leader, but on Christ alone.