Jesus Christ is the Rock Upon Which the Church was Built
Nowhere in the New Testament does it say—or even imply—that the Apostle Peter ever went to Rome. However, it does state that the Apostle Paul went to Rome. He was the perfect choice to do so. He was Jesus’ choice. When Saul was converted and became the Apostle Paul, Jesus said of him: “But the Lord said to him, Go! for this man is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the nations, as well as kings and the sons of Israel.” (Acts 9:9–19; Romans 11:13) Even though the Apostle Paul was born a Jew, he was also born a citizen of Rome—Peter was not. Being a Roman citizen gave Paul certain valuable rights and immunities. One important right Paul had, despite being a Jew, was the ability to appeal an injustice. In cases involving capital offenses, a citizen could request to be sent to Rome to stand trial before the emperor himself. Paul took advantage of this right on several occasions. Thus, he fulfilled Jesus’ words: “to bear my name before the nations, as well as kings.” (Acts 22:2...