In our last article, we began a study of the Pope of the Catholic Church.  We noted the numerous titles that are worn by the one who occupies the highest position in the Catholic religion.  In this article, we will examine the authority that has been granted to the Pope of Rome.

            The Bible teaches us that Jesus is the head of the church.  Paul put is very simply in Colossians 1:18.  “And he is the head of the body, the church…”  According to Catholic doctrine, the Pope is the earthly head of the Church.  On page 254, of the The Catechism of the Catholic Church, they explain his authority.  “For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.”  Notice the Pope is referred to as the “Vicar of Christ.”  The word “vicar” means one who serves as a substitutionary agent of another.  In other words, Catholics believe the Pope is Christ’s substitute on earth.  They affirm Jesus is the head of the Church in heaven.  On earth, however, they believe the Pope serves as the head.

            There are at least three problems with the concept of the Pope as the head of the Church.  First, it makes the church into a monstrosity.  A body is only supposed to have one head.  One body having two heads is not natural.  If we were to see a two-headed man on the streets, it would strike fear into the hearts of most.  Many, however, do not have this same perception of the Roman Catholic Church, but they should.  The Catholic Church has two heads attached to its shoulders, Jesus Christ and the Pope of Rome. 

            The second problem with having the Pope as the earthly head of the church is that it conflicts with Scripture.  Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the head of the church according to the Bible.  “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” (I Cor. 11:3).  It is interesting that the pope is nowhere listed in this order.  Paul did not say:  “The head of every man is the pope, and the head of the pope is Christ.”

            When this writer was in preacher training school, he was required to quote a memory verse at the beginning of each class.  In one of brother John Renshaw’s classes, I choose to quote Ephesians 1:22-23.  Here is the way I quoted the text:  “And hath put all things under his feet, and him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”  Brother Renshaw informed me that I had quoted the verse incorrectly and asked me to quote it again.  I quoted it just as I did the first time.  Wrong again!  I had left out one word from verse 22.  It was the little word “the” before the word “head.”  “…and gave him to be THE head over all things to the church…” (emp. mine, vme).  The article “the” is extremely important in this verse.  It affirms that Jesus is the only head of the church.  There are not two heads.  Jesus Christ is the one and only head of the body of Christ.

            The third problem having the Pope as the head of the church is that the Pope is not deity.  He is just a man.  As a man, he can err in his proclamations.  The Catholic Church had to confront this problem.  In order to do so, they created a doctrine called “ex cathedra.”  The word “ex cathedra” literally means “from the chair.”  The website, www.catholic.com, gives this explanation of this term:  “It refers to binding and infallible papal teachings which are promulgated by the pope when he officially teaches in his capacity of the universal shepherd of the Church a doctrine on a matter of faith or morals and addresses it to the entire world.”  They teach that the concept comes from Jesus who said this about the scribes and Pharisees:  “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat” (Matt. 23:2).  The Pope does not sit in Moses’ seat.  He does, however sit in the seat of Christ Catholics affirm.

            Even though the scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat, their teachings were not always infallible.  In Matthew 15, Jesus rebuked these religious leaders because their traditions conflicted with the Word of God.  “But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?…Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition…But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:3, 6, 9).  Sitting in Moses’ seat had nothing to do with bringing forth new revelation.  These men were to teach and instruct properly from the Law of Moses.  They were not to add to or take from it at all (See Duet. 4:2). 

If the Pope truly sits in Jesus’ seat, his responsibility is not to proclaim additional revelation.  He is responsible for making sure the Law of Christ is interpreted and applied properly and nothing more.  Just like the Jews of Jesus’ day, we find that Popes were said to have spoken “ex cathedra,” but their teachings were in error.  One “ex cathedra” statement involved the bodily assumption of Mary.  This proclamation is an addition to the Word of God.  There is not one statement in the New Testament that could lead to this teaching.  Adding to the New Testament is just as wrong as adding to the Law of Moses.  The apostle John warns:  “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him that plagues that are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18).  

The church of Christ does not need two heads.  Jesus Christ is deity (Col. 2:9).  He has revealed His Word to us and ratified it with His precious blood (Matt. 26:28).  It was once revealed to the saints (Jude 3) by the Holy Spirit of God (I Cor. 2:9-13).  It needs no additions or subtractions (Rev. 22:18-19).  It will govern the church until the Lord returns (II Tim. 3:16-17).  Then, the Lord will use it to judge the world (John 12:48).

The organizational structure of the church is very simple in the New Testament.  Jesus is the Head of the church.  To the church at Colossae, Paul wrote:  “And he is the head of the body, the church…”  It does not get any easier than that.  It is Jesus who controls the body.  It is He who has ultimate authority over the precious church for which He shed His blood (Acts 20:28).

            The universal church is divided into congregations that can be found in various locales.  In the New Testament we read of numerous local churches.  The first church to be established was the church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41, 47).  In Acts 9:31, we read about churches found in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.  We read about more churches scattered throughout Syria and Cilicia in Acts 15:41.  The Revelation was written to the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:4).  Jesus was the Head over all of these churches.  He ruled over them through His divine revelation found in the New Testament.

            The local congregations of the first century were autonomous units, meaning that each was self-governing.  There were no boards, associations, or conferences that oversaw the local congregations.  In order for these churches to be effective, God chose to place an eldership in each congregation.  As Paul was revisiting the churches he established on his first missionary journey, Luke tells us that he “ordained them elders in every church” (Acts 14:23).  This group of men is known by six different titles:  elders, presbyters, bishops, overseers, pastors, and shepherds.  Those who hold the office of an elder must meet the qualifications found in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.  It is these men who rule (I Tim. 5:17) and oversee (I Pet. 5:1-3) the affairs of the local congregation.  The writer of Hebrews exhorted his readers to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves” (Heb. 13:17).  The New Testament always indicates that there was a plurality of men who occupied the position of elders (Acts 11:30; 20:17; Phil. 1:1).  We never read of a church having one man who ruled over its affairs.  The Bible nowhere authorizes for there to be one pastor, one priest, or one bishop who is in charge of a local church.

            During the history of the church, men began to change the organizational structure of the church.  Paul had warned the elders of Ephesus that apostasy would come.  He even told those them that some of them would be responsible for the departures.  “For I know this,” he said, “That after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your ownselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30, emp. mine, vme).  The changes began very subtly.  The elders started by appointing a chairman to oversee the business meetings of the elders.  It is easy to understand that men with strong personalities could occupy these positions on a constant basis.  Too, their stubborn natures made it easy for them to control those who were weaker members of the eldership.  Whatever these men desired, the rest of the eldership accepted.  Eventually, the weak members were not needed.  One man became the authority over the entire church.  He was often referred to as “the bishop” of the church.  In time, this departure led to the development of a complex hierarchal structure within the church.  The structure resembled the structure found within the Roman government.  The man at the top within the church was not called Cesar, however.  He was referred to by the title of Pope.  When this happened, the church had completely apostatized from the original, God-given pattern of church organization.

            The word “pope” comes from the Greek term “pappaas,” and means “father.”  At one time, all bishops used the title because they were all considered fathers.  It is difficult to determine which pope was the first to apply the term to himself.  By the eleventh century, the title of pope was firmly in place for the Bishop of Rome.  This title flies in the face of the words of our precious Savior recorded in Matthew 23:9.  “And call no man your father upon the earth:  for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”  In the context, Jesus is specially referring to titles worn by men to exalt them over others.

            The office of the pope is referred to as “the papacy.”  Where the pope sits in a position of authority is called the Dioceses of Rome, the Holy See, and the Apostolic See.  The pope is the head-of-state over the Vatican City, a sovereign city-state enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy.  The pope is known by many other names:  Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God, Holy Father, Blessed Father, the Apostolic Lord, and His Holiness.

            We will be looking at this papacy in some detail in our upcoming articles.  The papacy is a radical departure from the simplicity of the New Testament pattern.  It appears to be the fulfillment of Paul’s words found in II Thessalonians 2:1-4.  Paul’s words had reference to “a falling away” that was going to occur.  Let’s set the words before you.  Please give special attention to verse four of the text.  “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together with him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter from us, as that the day of the Lord is at hand.  Let no man deceive you by any means:  for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”   

  Is it possible to “put on a show” when it comes to the practice of one’s faith?  Is it possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons?  Is it possible to appear to be something on the outside that one is not on the inside?  The answer to all of these questions is a powerful:  “Yes.” 

          The religious leaders of Jesus’ day could have been classified as awarding-winning actors.  They dressed the part.  They played the part.  They received the praise and adoration of their audiences.  They often grew wealthy in the process.  Jesus, however, was not impressed with their acting abilities.  He often called them out for their hypocrisy.  It is interesting that the word “hypocrite” is defined as “a stage player.”  An actor is one individual as he performs for the public.  He is another individual when not on stage.  The same was true of the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day.  They were one thing on the outside.  They were something completely different on the inside. 

          In Matthew 6:1-8, the Savior confronts some of the practices of the Jewish leaders.  He notes that the things they were doing were done to be seen of men.  They were done to impress men.  They were done to receive the accolades of men.  They were done to be held in honor of man.  Jesus’ conclusion with regard to their behaviors was that they had their reward.  Their reward was earthly and carnal.  Their reward was from mortal men.  Their reward would only benefit them in the here and now.  Let’s look at the actions of these man and give heed to the counsel of the Master Teacher.

          Jesus begins with a WEIGHTY WARNING.  “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them:  otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 6:1).  The words “take heed” mean “to hold the mind to, to pay attention to, to be cautious” (Strong, e-sword).  Jesus told His audience to pay attention to their motives when they did their alms.  Alms were acts of charity or benevolence.  If a person gave to be seen of men, he could expect no reward from his heavenly Father.

          After His warning, He exposed the WRONG WAYS of the Jewish leaders.  The Lord set three examples before His listeners.  First, He talked about their “Benevolence to Others” in Matthew 6:2-4.  When the scribes and Pharisees did their alms, it involves a “public presentation.”  “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward”  (Matt. 6:2).  Can you imagine hearing the sound of a trumpet and turning to see a religious leader making a public display of charity on a street corner?  What if you heard the trumpet again and turned to see the leader assisting someone else along the street?  It is hard to imagine, but this was the practice of some of the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day.  They wanted all to see their charity and benevolence.  Jesus declared:  “They have their reward.”   

          Instead of these public presentations, Jesus admonished His disciples to engage in a “private practice” of almsgiving.  “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  that thine alms by be seen in secret:  and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matt. 6:3-4).  Doing things in secret has a completely different reward from a completely different source.  The reward is not earthly; it is heavenly.  It does not come from men, but from one’s omniscient Father in heaven.

          Second, Jesus illustrated His point through “Bowing in Prayer” (Matt. 6:5-6).  He began this section with “presumptuous prayers” offered by the hypocrites.  “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:  for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.  Verily, I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matt. 6:5).  These men loved to stand in very open places when they prayed.  They wanted all to know that they were men who were given to prayer.  They were the prayer warriors of the day.  They were seen by others, but, as Jesus concludes, “They have their reward. 

          Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray “private prayers” instead of the pompous prayers of the religious leaders.  These, he said, would bring a reward from their heavenly Father.  “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matt. 5:6).

          Third, Jesus notes the “Babbling in Prayer” by the heathen.  They involved themselves in “pretentious prose.”  “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do…” (Matt. 6:7a).  These men prayed the same phrases over and over and over.  Their prayers were not concluded in a minute or two.  Their “vain repetitions” enabled them to pray for long periods of time.  These individuals had a “proud purpose” to their babblings.  “…for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matt. 6:7b).  The ones they hoped were hearing were men.  Note, God could have heard them without their uttering a single word.  Again, they had their reward.

          Jesus, issued a “pithy prohibition” to His followers in this section.  He said:  “Be not therefore like unto them…” (Matt. 6:8a).  God did not want proud people who longed to be heard by others for their long prayers coming before His throne.  Brief, sincere requests would have been enough.  Why no more?  Because our Father has “precise prescience.”  “…for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matt. 6:8b). 

          Christian living was not designed to “make a show” before men.  Much of what we do for the Lord can be done in secret.  There will be no fanfare.  There will be little applause.  There will be few “thank you’s.”  This, however, is not what the faithful disciple is seeking.  He seeks to please the Father.  When He carries out his responsibilities responsibly and quietly, the Father in heaven notices.  When the Day of Judgment comes, this diligent, faithful servant will be rewarded openly by God. 

          Dear reader, which do you desire?  A reward that comes from the praise of men?  Or, a reward that springs from the a faithful God who has promised to reward those who conduct their lives honestly, faithfully, and quietly while serving in this world.  Please remember that the praise of men is temporal.  The rewards of our loving Father, on the other hand, are eternal.