John 21:15-17 Does Not Support Papal Supremacy

• Defining The Issues:

          -The Roman Catholic Church interprets Jesus’ words to Peter—“feed my sheep”—as a divine commissioning that elevates Peter above the other apostles and establishes him as the supreme shepherd of the Church. This passage, found in John 21:15–17, is frequently cited to support the doctrine of papal primacy and apostolic succession. According to Catholic teaching, Peter’s pastoral charge is unique and authoritative, and this authority is believed to have been passed down to the bishops of Rome, culminating in the office of the pope. The purpose of this article is to examine the Roman Catholic interpretation of this passage and evaluate its theological and exegetical validity.

• How Roman Catholicism Interprets “Feed My Sheep”:

          -Roman Catholic apologists argue that Jesus’ thrice-repeated command to Peter—“feed my lambs,” “tend my sheep,” “feed my sheep”—constitutes a formal and exclusive commissioning of Peter as the “Chief Shepherd” of the Church.
          -This interpretation is used to justify the papacy’s claim to universal jurisdiction over Christendom, asserting that Peter was appointed as the visible head of the Church on earth.

• A Refutation Of Papal Claims Based On John 21:15–17:

          -Acts 20:28 clearly states that all elders (bishops) are charged with shepherding the Church of God: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock… to feed the church of God.” The pastoral duty of nourishing the flock is not exclusive to Peter. It is a shared responsibility among all who are called to spiritual leadership.
          -In 1 Peter 5:1–5, Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder” and exhorts other elders to “shepherd the flock of God… not as being lords over those entrusted to you.” He explicitly identifies Christ as the “Chief Shepherd” (v. 4), reserving that title for Jesus alone. Peter’s humility and refusal to claim superiority over other leaders contradict the notion that he saw himself as the supreme head of the Church.
          -John 10:11–16 presents Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep. He alone possesses divine authority over the flock. 1 Peter 2:25 refers to Christ as the “Shepherd and Bishop of your souls,” emphasizing His unique role in guiding and protecting believers. The New Testament never applies the title “Chief Shepherd” to Peter or any other apostle. To do so would be to usurp a title that belongs exclusively to Christ.

• The True Focus Of John 21:15–17 Is Restoration, Not Coronation:

          -The passage recounts Peter’s threefold affirmation of love for Christ, which mirrors his earlier threefold denial (Matthew 26:69–75). Jesus’ repetition of the question “Do you love me?” is a tender act of restoration, not a formal elevation to ecclesiastical supremacy.

          -There is no indication of celebration, ceremony, or institutional appointment. The tone is intimate and personal, not hierarchical. If this were a moment of coronation, we would expect clear signs of joy, recognition from other apostles, or a declaration of Peter’s new status—none of which are present.

• Peter’s Role in Acts: Prominent, But Not Supreme:

          -While the Book of Acts showcases Peter's significant contributions to spreading the gospel, no biblical evidence supports the notion that he was granted supremacy over the church. Referring to the pope as the “Good Shepherd” constitutes outright blasphemy against our Lord Jesus Christ, as such a title belongs solely to Him. Assigning this honor to a human diminishes the divine majesty of Christ and robs Him of the glory that is rightfully His.