Ep. #61 – Exegetical Support for Petrine Primacy w/ Fr. Gadenz

Summary

Is there strong scriptural support for the Primacy of Peter? Scholar of sacred scripture, Fr. Pablo T. Gadenz, joins us to examine three passages to answer that question. We look at Matthew 16, Luke 22, and John 21 in detail. And I mean DETAIL. I put several objections to Fr. Gadenz along the way. In the final segment, I ask about scriptural support for the ideas of an office and papal succession.

Guest Bio

Fr. Gadenz, a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, NJ, is an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University. He is a renowned biblical scholar who teaches courses on the New Testament, such as the Synoptic Gospels and Johannine Literature. He is the author of a recently released commentary The Gospel of Luke for the popular “Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture” series (published by Baker Academic).

Show Outline

In the first segment, Fr. Gadenz informs us as to his recent research and publications. Then, he walks us through the first passage in support of the primacy of Peter: Matthew 16. He makes many important connections and responds to common objections.

In the next segment, Fr. Gadenz explains the significance of Luke 24 and how Peter’s primacy is supported there. How could a dispute arise as to who was the greatest if Peter had been declared Pope? I put this question to Fr. Gadenz.

In the final segment, we discuss John 21 and the significance of the scene for Petrine Primacy. I also ask Fr. Gadenz if there is any Scriptural support for Peter holding an office that would have succession. His answers are always enlightening.

Passage #1 – Matthew 16:13-19 (ESV)

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare′a Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19I 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.” 

Passage #2 – Luke 22: 24-32 (ESV)

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,] that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 

Passage #3 – John 21: 15-19

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Resources Mentioned

Fr. Gadenz’s journal article on Pope Benedict’s Jesus of Nazareth

The Gospel of Luke (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture) by Fr. Pablo T. Gadenz

Jesus as the Davidic Temple Builder (article) by Dr. Michael Barber

The Gospel of Matthew (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) by R.T. France

Simon Peter in Scripture and Memory by Marcus Bockmuehl

Ut Unum Sint by St. John Paul II (On commitment to Ecumenism)

Related Episodes

Ep. #28 – Luke’s Historical Gospel with Fr. Gadenz [Interview]

Ep. #30 – Understanding Church Authority with Jimmy Akin [Interview]

CORE #09 – He Founded the Catholic Church (part 2)