Did Peter Really Found the Church in Rome?

Bart D. Ehrman November 18, 2025
Video Thumbnail
Bart D. Ehrman Logo

Bart D. Ehrman

@bartdehrman

About

Welcome to Dr. Bart Ehrman's Youtube Channel, home of the "Misquoting Jesus" Podcast, which we release every week on Tuesday. Bart Ehrman is a world-renowned Bible scholar. He has written six New York Times best-selling books including "Misquoting Jesus," "How Jesus Became God," and "God's Problem." We post at least once per week on the channel on topics such as early Christianity, textual changes, the writings of Paul, the Gospels, the historical Jesus, the "other" gospels, ancient "heresies," how we got the Bible, and more. Follow along and grow your knowledge about the historical Jesus and early Christianity. Subscribe now!

Video Description

Links Mentioned in this Episode: - https://bartehrman.com/lastlecture - A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Dr. Bart Ehrman live at UNC Chapel Hill as he delivers his final lecture, “The Greatest Discovery in the History of Biblical Studies” on Sunday, December 7th. - https://bartehrman.com/boston - on November 20th, Dr. Ehrman vs. Dr. Licona will debate “Who Wrote the Gospels?” Sign up here to attend live in person or virtually. - https://bartehrman.com/peterandpaul - This course explores lesser-known early Christian texts and scrutinizes the evidence to answer the pivotal question: Did Peter truly harbor animosity towards Paul? *Episode Description* Was Peter truly the founder of the Church in Rome? This question lies at the heart of Catholic tradition and theology, but what does historical evidence actually tell us? In Episode 161, Megan Lewis welcomes Bart Ehrman, renowned Bible scholar, to scrutinize the origins of one of Christianity's most impactful beliefs. The episode opens with the Catholic claim: Peter as first Pope. But as Bart Ehrman points out, history and scripture paint a more complicated picture. Using early sources such as the Gospels, Acts, Paul's letters, and later church fathers, Bart illustrates the gaps and inconsistencies in the narrative that Peter founded the Roman church. You'll hear about Peter's activities after the death of Jesus, the organizational structure (or lack thereof) of early Christian communities in Rome, the evolution of church hierarchy, and the sociopolitical significance of Rome as Christianity's power center. The episode also covers vibrant discussions about how major cities vied for apostolic lineage—an issue that shaped the rise of the papacy and the structure of global Christianity. But the conversation isn't just historical! In the Q&A segment, Bart tackles listener questions about exorcisms, mythological creatures in the New Testament, the influence of Stoicism, the development of apocalyptic views among Jews, and the relationship (or rivalry!) between Peter and Paul. Whether you’re a student, skeptic, or believer, this episode will deepen your understanding of the complexities behind Christian origins. *3 Key Takeaways* - Thin Historical Evidence for Peter as Rome’s Founder: The earliest sources do not indicate Peter established the church in Rome. Paul’s letter to the Romans, written decades after Jesus’ death, gives no hint Peter was present or in charge. - Origins of the Link between Peter and Rome Are Late: Traditions connecting Peter to Rome's church (and especially as its bishop) begin to emerge only in the latter part of the first century, and solidify in the second and third centuries—centuries after Peter's death. - Authority and Apostolic Lineage Were Central to Early Christian Power Struggles: As Christianity grew, especially in major urban centers like Rome and Alexandria, communities sought legitimacy and authority through claims of direct connection to apostles—most notably Peter. *Key Points* - The claim that Peter was the first Pope and founder of Rome’s church is a late development, not found in earliest Christian records. - Paul's letter to the Romans mentions many individuals but never greets Peter, strongly suggesting Peter was not in Rome during Paul’s ministry. - Early Christian churches often met in household gatherings rather than centralized buildings, with local leaders rather than formal bishops. - Evidence for church hierarchy (bishops, elders, deacons) develops only later, well after the earliest churches formed. - Other major cities (Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria) also sought apostolic connections to legitimize their authority. - Legendary accounts, like the Acts of Peter, are colorful but historically unreliable—and even suggest Peter was not the founder of the Roman church. - The organization and leadership structures in early Christian churches were diverse and gradually developed over time. - Exorcisms and miraculous acts appear in New Testament texts and continue as recognized practices, yet cross-cultural evidence suggests psychological explanations. - The New Testament features mythological creatures and supernatural beings (angels, principalities, powers), but the intent was not literary “fantasy.” - Apocalyptic beliefs were widespread among Jews in Second Temple era, with Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots sharing these views, in contrast to the Sadducees. - Stoicism and Greek philosophy influenced some ideas within early Christianity, but the foundational roots are staunchly Jewish. - Claims of unity among Christian apostles are challenged by evidence of disagreements and rivalries, especially between Peter and Paul.

Upgrade Your Everyday

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link (KP400) - Smart WiFi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Waterproof, Works with Alexa and Google Home, 2.4GHz WiFi Required, No Hub Required, Sunset & Sunrise Offset

Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link (KP400) - Smart WiFi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Waterproof, Works with Alexa and Google Home, 2.4GHz WiFi Required, No Hub Required, Sunset & Sunrise Offset

(28,846)
$21.99$17.99
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Z(Black)

Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Z(Black)

(329)
$39.99
Prime
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Monster Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 in Ear Stereo Headphones, Built-in Mic for Crystal Clear Call, 32H Playtime, Comfortable Fit, Fast Charging, Waterproof Earphones for Sports, Black

Monster Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 in Ear Stereo Headphones, Built-in Mic for Crystal Clear Call, 32H Playtime, Comfortable Fit, Fast Charging, Waterproof Earphones for Sports, Black

(47)
$119.59
FREE delivery Mon, Mar 9
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Z(Black)

Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Z(Black)

(346)
$39.99
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Monster N-Lite 217 Wireless Earbuds, Immersive Stereo Sound, Bluetooth 6.0 in-Ear Headphones, Built-in Smart Noise Cancelling Mic for Clear Calls, Comfortable Fit, 32H Playtime, IPX6 Waterproof, Black

Monster N-Lite 217 Wireless Earbuds, Immersive Stereo Sound, Bluetooth 6.0 in-Ear Headphones, Built-in Smart Noise Cancelling Mic for Clear Calls, Comfortable Fit, 32H Playtime, IPX6 Waterproof, Black

(8)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Feb 23
Loading...
Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Insulated, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Carbon - 20 oz.

Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Insulated, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Carbon - 20 oz.

(2,652)
$81.37$76.36
FREE delivery Sep 29 - Oct 2
Loading...
Simple Modern Filtered Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless-Steel Carbon Filter Travel Water Bottles | Reusable for Clean Drinking Water On The Go | 24oz, Sea Glass Sage

Simple Modern Filtered Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless-Steel Carbon Filter Travel Water Bottles | Reusable for Clean Drinking Water On The Go | 24oz, Sea Glass Sage

(26)
$30.13
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 23 on your first order
Loading...
FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker (Answer/Make Calls), Smart Watch with 24/7 Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Sleep Tracking Monitor, 120+ Sport Mode Activity Tracker

FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker (Answer/Make Calls), Smart Watch with 24/7 Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Sleep Tracking Monitor, 120+ Sport Mode Activity Tracker

(198)
$59.99
FREE delivery Sun, Aug 10
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
AYATAHA AYATAHA Smart Watch for Kids, Smartwatch Fitness Tracker for Boys Girls, Children's Activity Watch 37 Sports Modes SMS Notification, HD Full Touchscreen IP67 Waterproof, Blue

AYATAHA AYATAHA Smart Watch for Kids, Smartwatch Fitness Tracker for Boys Girls, Children's Activity Watch 37 Sports Modes SMS Notification, HD Full Touchscreen IP67 Waterproof, Blue

(55)
$41.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Iaret Iaret Smart Watch for Women, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker with 4 Bands, Answer/Make Calls, Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2/Step Tracking, 100+ Sport Modes, Android/iPhone Compatible Gift (Rose Gold)

Iaret Iaret Smart Watch for Women, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker with 4 Bands, Answer/Make Calls, Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2/Step Tracking, 100+ Sport Modes, Android/iPhone Compatible Gift (Rose Gold)

(42)
$59.99
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men Women 1.8" Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Call, DIY Dial, Heart Rate Sleep Blood Oxygen Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iPhone, Alexa Built-in

Smart Watch for Men Women 1.8" Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Call, DIY Dial, Heart Rate Sleep Blood Oxygen Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iPhone, Alexa Built-in

(980)
$39.99
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Hand Warmers 2 Pack, 14000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmers, Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, Portable Power Bank USB Hand Warmers 4 Levels 8 Heating, Gifts for Raynauds Ski Golf Camping

Hand Warmers 2 Pack, 14000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmers, Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, Portable Power Bank USB Hand Warmers 4 Levels 8 Heating, Gifts for Raynauds Ski Golf Camping

(683)
$74.08$59.47
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 18
Loading...
Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 10000mAh Electric Heated Gloves Power Bank Portable Graphene Handwarmers Pouch with 3 Levels & Double-Sided Heating for Hunting Camping Golf Xmas Gifts for Women Men Kids

Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 10000mAh Electric Heated Gloves Power Bank Portable Graphene Handwarmers Pouch with 3 Levels & Double-Sided Heating for Hunting Camping Golf Xmas Gifts for Women Men Kids

(651)
$44.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sun, Jun 15
Loading...
2Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 8000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank, Portable USB-C Hand Warmer for Pocket, Reusable Hand Warmer Up to 8 hrs Each, Warm Gift for Men Women, for Hunting, Camping
Amazon's Choice

2Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 8000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank, Portable USB-C Hand Warmer for Pocket, Reusable Hand Warmer Up to 8 hrs Each, Warm Gift for Men Women, for Hunting, Camping

(1,128)
$15.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
GTOCE Portable Charger,40000mAh Power Bank with 22.5W Fast Charging LED Digital Display Battery Pack with 6 Outputs 2 Inputs, Type C Powerbank Portable Charger for iPhone 16 pro Samsung AirPods,Black

GTOCE Portable Charger,40000mAh Power Bank with 22.5W Fast Charging LED Digital Display Battery Pack with 6 Outputs 2 Inputs, Type C Powerbank Portable Charger for iPhone 16 pro Samsung AirPods,Black

(334)
$42.99
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, White

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, White

(4)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Mar 2
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

(15)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Feb 23
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

(6)
$39.99
FREE delivery Sat, Dec 27
Loading...
Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden - Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All Ages

Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden - Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All Ages

(24)
$206.57$200.61
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 17
Loading...
Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter for Window, Indoor Herb Garden, Set of 5, White/Black

Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter for Window, Indoor Herb Garden, Set of 5, White/Black

(7,808)
$71.52
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Large Hydroponics Growing System 14 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, 5L Water Tank, Hydroponic Grow Kit with 3 Auto-Timers, Rotatable Light Panel and Child Lock for Home School Gardening

Large Hydroponics Growing System 14 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, 5L Water Tank, Hydroponic Grow Kit with 3 Auto-Timers, Rotatable Light Panel and Child Lock for Home School Gardening

(119)
$167.81
FREE delivery Jun 16 - 20
Loading...
Hanging Planter Hanging Plant Holder, 6 Inch 4 Indoor Plant Pots, Wall/Window Plant Hanger Indoor Herb Garden

Hanging Planter Hanging Plant Holder, 6 Inch 4 Indoor Plant Pots, Wall/Window Plant Hanger Indoor Herb Garden

(269)
$35.99$28.90
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
slopehill Multi Hair Stylers & Hair Straightener - 2 in 1 Wet to Dry Air Straightener and Hair Dryer Combo with High Speed Air + Rapid Heat-Up + Customizable Temperature(Pink)

slopehill Multi Hair Stylers & Hair Straightener - 2 in 1 Wet to Dry Air Straightener and Hair Dryer Combo with High Speed Air + Rapid Heat-Up + Customizable Temperature(Pink)

(177)
$139.99
Prime
Loading...
Hi.FANCY Portable Laptop Stand with Dual Cooling Fans for 14-17inch Laptops, Grey, 23.5 x 25.9 x 0.95cm

Hi.FANCY Portable Laptop Stand with Dual Cooling Fans for 14-17inch Laptops, Grey, 23.5 x 25.9 x 0.95cm

(0)
$36.99
FREE delivery Aug 18 - 28
Loading...
Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Laptop Holder, Ventilated Cooling Notebook Stand for 10-15.6” Laptops,Tablet-Black

Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Laptop Holder, Ventilated Cooling Notebook Stand for 10-15.6” Laptops,Tablet-Black

(11,679)
$14.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
JETech 5 in 1 Case for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G with 2-Pack Each Tempered Glass Screen Protector and Camera Lens Protector, Non-Yellowing Shockproof Bumper Phone Cover (Clear)

JETech 5 in 1 Case for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G with 2-Pack Each Tempered Glass Screen Protector and Camera Lens Protector, Non-Yellowing Shockproof Bumper Phone Cover (Clear)

(197)
$15.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(61,696)
$10.76
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
JOINPAYA 1Set Rechargeable Hand Warmer Hand Heater for Winter Heating Levels Compact

JOINPAYA 1Set Rechargeable Hand Warmer Hand Heater for Winter Heating Levels Compact

(0)
$9.29
FREE delivery Jun 20 - Jul 4
Loading...
Shakven Rechargeable Hand Warmer | Cute Comfortable Portable Hand Warmers,Ergonomic Adjustable Energy-Efficient Small Heater for Travel, Outdoor, Winter

Shakven Rechargeable Hand Warmer | Cute Comfortable Portable Hand Warmers,Ergonomic Adjustable Energy-Efficient Small Heater for Travel, Outdoor, Winter

(0)
$26.93
FREE delivery Jun 19 - Jul 2
Loading...
OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

(50)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

(649)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14