Nuanced
Peter as foundational; rejects papal primacy; Christ as the ultimate rock
Seventh Day Baptists interpret Matthew 16:18 ('upon this rock I will build my church') to affirm Peter's foundational role in the early church while firmly rejecting any doctrine of papal succession or primacy. The 'rock' (petros/petra) is understood to refer to Peter and his confession of faith, making him a foundational apostle.
Key Distinctions
- Rock referent:
- Peter role:
- foundational apostle; not a papal successor
- Papal primacy:
Scripture References
Sources
- Seventh-day Baptist General Conference Statement of Belief