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Was Peter really the first pope? Or have we misread one of the most famous passages in the Gospels?

In this episode, Jonathan and Alex take a deep dive into Matthew 16 and the Roman Catholic argument for papal authority. They unpack the grammar, explore the Greek, and show why the “keys of the kingdom” may not mean what you’ve been told. Along the way, they compare Matthew 16 to Matthew 18 and the Great Commission, argue that Christ—not Peter—is always the focus, and offer a distinctly Reformed take on ecclesial authority and church discipline. If you've ever wondered what Jesus really meant when he said, “I will give you the keys,” this episode is for you.

This is part 3. If you haven't seen part 1 or 2 look for them in previous episodes!

Scripture references:
- Matthew 16:13–20
- Matthew 18:15-20
- Matthew 28:16-20
- 1 Peter 2:4–9
- John 20
- Philippians 2
- Acts 1–10

Resources:
Cameron's Original Video
John Chrysostom’s Homily on Matthew 54
John Calvin’s Commentary on Matthew 16

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What really happened on the floor of the 2025 PCA General Assembly? Was Teaching Elder Timothy Brindle unfairly cut off? Did Moderator Kevin DeYoung cross a line—or keep things from crossing it?

In this special edition of Weighed in the Balance, Jonathan Brooks is joined by Ryan Biese and Nathan Xanders to unpack the clash between parliamentary order and rising tensions around the reelection of Dr. Irwin Ince. Along the way, we respond to Doug Wilson, CrossPolitic, and the growing conversation about race, power, and polity in the PCA. Was it a kerfuffle... or a crisis? You decide.

Check out their podcasts!

Ryan Biese: The Westminster Standard
https://open.spotify.com/show/0W12Hy3Rszfwwt9iClDlDm

Nate Xanders: Reforming Men
https://www.thereformingmenpodcast.com

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In this second installment of our three-part series on Matthew 16 and the Roman Catholic claim to papal authority, Jonathan Brooks and Alex Lott take a deep dive into the controversial question: Is Peter really the rock on which Christ builds His Church?

Drawing from Scripture, grammar, and the writings of early Church Fathers like John Chrysostom, they unpack what Jesus meant in His famous words to Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”

You'll hear:

• Why Petros and Petra are grammatically different but semantically identical
• Why Chrysostom and Calvin reject the idea that Peter alone is the “rock”
• A pastoral look at 1 Peter 2 and the priesthood of all believers
• Why Protestants may overcorrect in response to Rome
• And yes…a few Christian rock jokes (Petra does rock)

Featured passages:

• Matthew 16:13–20
• 1 Peter 2:4–9
• John 20
• Philippians 2
• Acts 1–10

Resources and References:

• John Chrysostom’s Homily on Matthew 54:
  https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/200154.htm
• John Calvin’s Commentary on Matthew 16:
  https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom32/calcom32.ii.lii.html
• Original Claim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG9YvkNqg6E&t=1959s

Whether you’re Reformed, Roman Catholic, or just wrestling with the text, this episode invites you to ask: What is Jesus really trying to teach us here?

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