👉 Ever had someone tell you “The pope’s not in the Bible!”?
Then this Morning Air episode featuring Catholic apologist William Albrecht is your go-to shareable podcast. 🎙️ Perfect for sending to curious Catholics or your favorite skeptical friend.
📖Biblical Foundations of the Papacy 🪨 Matthew 16:16–19: The Classic Go-To
-Jesus calls Simon “Peter” (Petros) and says, “on this rock I will build my church.”
-He gives Peter the keys to the kingdom, which is divine authority.
William responds to critics who say “Petros” vs. “Petra” means Peter wasn’t the rock. That’s just grammar 101: Greek grammar demands Petros for a male name. The Church Fathers? 100% on board: Peter = the rock.
🔐Keys, Authority & Isaiah 22
-Those keys in Matthew were deeply Jewish and symbolic, echoing Isaiah 22: authority passed on through a royal steward.
-It’s a divinely instituted office, not just a casual handshake.
-Jesus is personally addressing Peter, singularly… not the whole group. 🔑
🐑John 21:15–17: Shepherd
Jesus tells Peter three times: Feed my sheep. The word used in Greek is ‘poimaínō.’ This means, “be the shepherd.”
William calls this a direct commission: Peter is the earthly shepherd of the Church.
And yes, this was the Gospel at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Luke 22:31–32: Satan, Sifting & Strength
Jesus warns Peter that Satan wants to “sift” the apostles like wheat 🌾.
But Jesus prays specifically for Peter and tells him to “strengthen your brethren”.
That Greek word is ‘stērízō’ which implies foundational support. Peter’s not just a guy with opinions. He’s the rock holding things together. 🧱
📜Acts 15: So, What About James?
Protestants sometimes argue that James was the early Church’s leader based on the Jerusalem Council.
William clarifies: Peter speaks first, settles the issue on circumcision, and the whole assembly falls silent afterward.
What Peter says becomes dogma (Greek: dogmata) and is taken to the churches.
Early Church Fathers? Crystal Clear.
Pope St. Clement of Rome, writing in the first century, exercises authority while St. John the Apostle is still alive. That’s bold.
Why? Because Clement is the bishop of Rome: the vicar of Christ on earth.
William emphasizes that apostolic succession and sacred tradition both confirm this biblical model of leadership. ⛪
🙏 Final Thoughts
As William beautifully puts it:
“There’s only one Church that can trace the papacy from St. Peter to today, and we’re blessed to be in it.”
Let’s pray for the Church, the College of Cardinals, and for the next Pope. As always, keep Relevant Radio in your intentions as it continues to lead a powerful revival across the world. 🔥📻
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