Peter The Rock

Peter The Rock

Primacy of Simon Peter, also known as Petrine Primacy (from the Latin Petrus for "Peter"), is the doctrine held by some Christians—especially Roman Catholics—that Simon Peter was the most prominent of the Twelve Apostles. They believe he had been distinguished by Jesus of Nazareth to hold the first place of honor and authority.

Peter was also known as "Cephas" from a Syriac surname given by Christ to Simon meaning "rock." The Greeks translated it as Petros, and the Latins translated it as Petrus. Proponents believe that Peter held the first place of honor and authority among the original Twelve Apostles of Jesus.

The Roman Catholic church has always used this passage to substantiate the doctrine of the papacy.