Rethinking Church History: Peter Was Not the Head of the Church**

 Gnostic Understanding: Rethinking Church History: Peter Was Not the Head of the Church

Welcome to *Pleroma Pathways*, where we explore esoteric and apocalyptic texts in the context of Christianity. One of the enduring traditions within Christian history is the claim that the apostle Peter was the first leader of the Church, serving as the head of the early Christian community. This belief has been central to the Roman Catholic Church's assertion of papal authority. However, a closer examination of early Christian texts and the writings of the apostles challenges this tradition, suggesting that James the Just, not Peter, was the true leader of the early Church.

The *Gospel of Thomas* provides a powerful statement that contradicts the popular belief about Peter’s primacy. Saying 12 in the *Gospel of Thomas* states:

**"The disciples said to Jesus, 'We are aware that you will depart from us. Who will be our leader?' Jesus said to him, 'No matter where you come it is to James the Just that you shall go, for whose sake heaven and earth have come to exist.'"**

This statement places James the Just as the central figure to whom the disciples were to turn after Jesus’ departure, rather than Peter. The words attributed to Jesus in this text suggest that James, not Peter, was the appointed leader of the early Christian community, a fact that is notably absent from the Roman Catholic tradition.

### Who is James the Just?

James, often referred to as "James the Just," was the brother of Jesus. His Greek name is equivalent to "Jacob," meaning "One Seizing the Heel" or "Supplanter." According to Galatians 1:19, James was a "brother of the Lord," meaning he was one of Jesus' biological siblings. This distinction is further affirmed in Mark 6:3, which lists James alongside Joseph, Simon, and Judas as Jesus' brothers. The Gospel of Matthew also refers to James as one of Jesus' brothers (Matthew 13:55).

James initially did not follow Jesus during His ministry. In fact, in John 7:5, we are told that "even His brothers did not believe in Him." However, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, James became a key figure in the early Church. Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 15:7 that Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection, a moment that convinced James that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. This transformative event led James to become a prominent leader in the Jerusalem Church.

### James as the Leader of the Early Church

While Peter is often regarded as the leader of the early Church, a closer look at the Book of Acts and other early Christian writings reveals that James held the primary leadership role. In Acts 15, during the Council of Jerusalem, the question of whether Gentiles should be circumcised arose. This was a crucial issue for the early Church, as it would define the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers. 

Peter did speak at the council, but his role was not as the final decision-maker. Instead, it was James who made the final ruling on the matter. Acts 15:13-19 states:

**“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, 'Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written… Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God.'”**

James clearly holds a position of authority in this meeting, and his ruling is accepted by the assembly. His decision does not simply endorse Peter’s words but provides a definitive conclusion to the matter. This demonstrates that, at least in this instance, James played the role of the chief leader in the Jerusalem Church.

### Early Christian Tradition and the Role of James

The leadership of James in the early Church is further attested to by other early Christian sources. Clement of Rome, writing in the late first century, addresses James as the "bishop of bishops" and refers to his leadership over the Church in Jerusalem:

**“James, the lord, and the bishop of bishops, who rules Jerusalem, the holy church of the Hebrews, and the churches everywhere…”** (Epistle of Clement to James)

This title suggests that James was not merely a local leader but held a position of authority over the broader Christian community. Early church historian Eusebius also affirms that James was made bishop of Jerusalem by the apostles and that he "ruled the church of Jerusalem for thirty years" (Ecclesiastical History, 2.23).

### Peter’s Role in the Early Church

Peter’s role in the early church is significant but distinct from the claim made by the Roman Catholic Church that he was the first pope. In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus grants Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven," but this should not be interpreted as an appointment to supreme leadership. The keys symbolize knowledge (Gospel of Thomas Saying 39, Matthew 16:19, Luke 11:52), and Peter’s role in unlocking the message of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles is evident in his actions in Acts 2 and Acts 10.

However, even in these pivotal moments, Peter does not exercise the authority of a pope. Instead, he is a spokesperson, a servant of the gospel, and an active participant in the broader leadership of the church. When examining the early church councils, including the significant meeting in Acts 15, it becomes clear that James, not Peter, takes the lead. James' position is confirmed by early Christian writers like Eusebius, who records that James was appointed bishop of Jerusalem by the apostles and ruled the church for thirty years

Moreover, in Acts 21:18, Paul goes to visit James, and "all the elders were present," indicating that James was the head of the Jerusalem Church, with other elders under his authority.

Early Christian Tradition and Church Leadership

Early Christian writings support the idea that James, not Peter, was the true leader of the Jerusalem church. Clement of Rome, in his Epistle to James, refers to James as "the bishop of bishops, who rules Jerusalem, the Holy Church of the Hebrews, and the churches everywhere." Similarly, Papias of Hierapolis (second century) refers to James as the "bishop and apostle." Eusebius and Jerome also affirm that James was appointed bishop by the apostles and ruled the church for several decades.

This historical evidence challenges the Roman Catholic claim that Peter was the first pope and highlights the leadership of James the Just in the early church. It is clear that while Peter played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, James the Just was the head of the church in Jerusalem, a position of primacy that was recognized by the apostles and the broader Christian community.

### Conclusion: The Myth of Peter’s Primacy

The notion that Peter was the first pope and the leader of the early Church is not supported by the historical record. The *Gospel of Thomas* and the Acts of the Apostles both present James the Just as the rightful leader of the Christian community following Jesus' ascension. Early Christian writings, including those of Clement of Rome and Eusebius, further confirm James' leadership role.

James, the brother of Jesus, was the first bishop of Jerusalem and held authority over the early Church. His leadership was not based on an exclusive commission from Jesus, as the Roman Catholic Church claims for Peter, but rather on his unique position as Jesus' brother and his role in the early community of believers.

In rethinking church history, it becomes clear that Peter’s role, while significant, did not place him at the head of the Church. Instead, James the Just, the "righteous" brother of Jesus, should be recognized as the first true leader of the early Christian movement.