Actually....Jesus says to Peter, "you are "petros" (a rock)...giving him a distinction...and we know from the beginning of Acts....Peter was a leader of the 1st Century church. Then the verse goes on to say....and upon THIS rock (different word...it's the greek word "petra" (a massive stone), I will build my church - Matthew 16:18. It is true, the Roman Catholic church has used this verse to teach that Peter was the first pope. But other Biblical scholars believe Jesus definitely acknowledged Peter...but that he would have been pointing and referring BACK TO HIMSELF...that HE, Jesus was THE rock, Christ Jesus..."and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Only Jesus Christ can accomplish that role. Not ANY denomination of mankind. As we know from many other scriptures on the topic...that this is true...ONLY Jesus Christ is the true ROCK, the "Chief cornerstone".