Question:
Brother, my Catholic colleague told me that the Pope is the “vicar of Christ.” I’m struggling to understand this. Didn’t Jesus leave us the Holy Spirit, not a human to take His place?
―Jason B, Mumbai
Answer:
Thank you for your question, Jason.
Christ Alone Is the Head of the Church
Scripture leaves no doubt. Christ did not appoint a man to act as His substitute on earth. He remains the living, ruling Head of His Body.
Colossians 1:18 — He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything. (AMP)
The Greek word “kephalē” (κεφαλή) means head, source, or origin. The Church’s source is not a bishop, pope, or religious office, it is Christ Himself, risen and seated.
The Holy Spirit Is the True Vicar of Christ
The term “vicar” means one who stands in the place of another. But Jesus never left a man in His place, He promised another of the same kind.
John 14:16–17 — And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counsellor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He [the Holy Spirit] remains with you continually and will be in you. (AMP)
The Greek word “allos” (ἄλλος) means another of the same kind, not lesser and not different. The Spirit is Christ’s very presence, not a representative substitute. Any claim that replaces Him with human authority is a denial of divine government.
No Successor to Christ Exists
Nowhere in Scripture is there an office described as “vicar of Christ” for a man. The apostles never elevated Peter as a singular ruler. He was a fellow elder—not a monarch.
1 Peter 5:1–3 — Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastoral leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness called to testify of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not motivated for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples of Christian living to the flock. (AMP)
The Greek “presbyteros” (συμπρεσβύτερος) shows Peter calling himself a co-elder. No mention of supremacy. The authority lies in Christ, shared through the Spirit in plurality and not a single throne in Rome.
Earthly Thrones Undermine Spiritual Government
Religious systems tend to replace internal government with external hierarchy. When the Spirit’s inward work is ignored, men create substitutes like popes, priests, and systems. But the Kingdom is spiritual.
Luke 17:20–21 — Now having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed or with a visible display; nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you [because of My presence].” (AMP)
True authority flows from within and not from vestments, titles, or succession.
The Foundation Is Already Laid
The apostles and prophets are the foundation. No one can add to what is already laid.
Ephesians 2:19–20 — So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are members of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone. (AMP)
To claim a continuing office of supreme authority contradicts this foundation. The Church is built on revelation, not succession. Revelation is not passed down by ordination but it is received by the Spirit.
Christ Does Not Share His Throne
Jesus did not delegate His government to any human throne.
Revelation 3:21 — He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne. (AMP)
Authority is shared with overcomes and not with offices or religious empires.
Closing Thoughts
The true vicar of Christ is the Holy Spirit, not a bishop or pope. Any man claiming to speak ex-cathedra or hold divine office on earth places himself where only Christ belongs. That position is not available.
The Church already has a Shepherd and Bishop of her soul.
1 Peter 2:25 — For you were continually wandering like so many sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (AMP)
The Greek “episkopos” (ἐπίσκοπος) means guardian, overseer. There is no vacancy in heaven’s throne. Christ fills it and is all in all.
Hope this helps.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
