PETER NEVER BISHOP OF ROME, OYAKHILOME

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has offered a critical reflection on the traditional narrative surrounding the role of Rome in early Christianity. He challenges long-held assumptions about the leadership and martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul, urging believers to reconsider their understanding of these pivotal figures.

According to Pastor Chris, Peter was not the Bishop of Rome, contrary to traditional Christian teachings. Both Peter and Paul were executed in Rome, but they were not sent there to pastor or lead churches. Instead, they were taken there to be killed, highlighting the cruelty and persecution faced by early Christians.

He further emphasized that the garments and symbols associated with the office of the pope reflect the legacy of Peter and Paul, but this symbolism is tied to their martyrdom rather than ecclesiastical service in Rome. Their presence in Rome was a result of brutal persecution under Roman rule, not mission or leadership assignment.

Pastor Chris noted that Christianity originated in Jerusalem and gradually spread westward, influencing and ultimately dominating Rome culturally and spiritually.

This understanding provides a different perspective on the role of Rome in early Christianity and the legacy of Peter and Paul.

He said: “Peter was not really the Bishop of Rome. They killed him in Rome, and they killed Paul in Rome— The two that part of the dressing of the pope symbolizes. He has a symbol for Peter and Paul—whom they killed in Rome. Just remember: they didn’t go to Rome to pastor; they were taken to Rome to be killed. So, it’s not really a great memory—it’s a painful reminder of the wickedness of men when we think of Peter in Rome and Paul in Rome. So, um…But the fact is, Christianity moved from….Jerusalem into the Mediterranean. And it’s wonderful that it domin ated Rome in the process of time.”