Elsie:
The fact that Peter was First among the Apostles is not debated. There are various interpretations among the Fathers regarding Mt 16:16-18 with respect to was it Peters Confession of Faith or Peter, etc. I am well aware of those various interpretations. I have no problem whatsoever with Saint Augustine. The other Text supporting Peter as First Among the Apostles is John 21:15-20. The Fathers also have lengthy commentaries and writings of this passage as well. For example, Saint John Crystostem’s Homily 88
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/240188.htm
Saint Augustine here on the same passage and while yes, he does state that it was Peters Confession of Faith, it does also indicate Peter’s unique role among the Apostles
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1701124.htm
There is extensive commentary on John 21 as well.
http://www.clerus.org/bibliaclerusonline/en/index.htm
Saint Augustines Sermon 295 also uses both Mt 16 and John 21 to state why Saint Peter is “First Among the Apostles”
http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/151/Peter_and_Paul____St._Augustine.html
So the meaning of Mt 16:16-18 with respect to rock, Peter, his person or confession, does have several interpretations. That is allowable in Catholic Doctrine and the debate here is nothing more than polemics. Regardless, the passages do indicate Peter’s chief role among the Apostles, all who shared equally in the Apostolic mission, but Peter was the leader and the unity of the Apostles was centered on being united with Peter.
I like this:
Quite rightly, too, did the Lord after his resurrection entrust his sheep to Peter to be fed (Jn. 21: 15-19). It is not, you see, that he alone among the disciples was fit to feed the Lord’s sheep; but when Christ speaks to one man, unity is being commended to us. And he first speaks to Peter, because Peter is the first among the apostles. Do not be sad, Apostle. Answer once, answer again, answer a third time. Let confession conquer three times with love, because self-assurance was conquered three times by fear. What you had bound three times must be loosed three times. Loose through love what you had bound through fear. And for all that, the Lord once, and again, and a third time, entrusted his sheep to Peter.
from this link.....thanks.....http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/151/Peter_and_Paul____St._Augustine.html
Among Catholics who have been adequately catechized.
Peter being 'first' isn't even SHOWN in Scripture.
This, however, is...