I am told over and over again, the Bible is my sole source of authority. This would be simple and nice if we didn't have thousands of denominations interpreting the Bible differently on essential matters of faith, morals, and salvation. The doctrine of Sola Scriptura did not exist until the 1500s, some historians say later. Jesus did not hand His Apostles a Bible and say, "This is your authority" because the New Testament was not canonized until the late fourth century. Jesus established the Church as the Authority and appointed twelve men (His Apostles) to carry on the mission of the Church down to the Bishops, priests, and deacons we have today. Let's see what the Bible says about the Church, the significance of the Church's Authority, and the command from Christ Himself saying that the Church must be of One Mind and One Spirit. The Church canonized the Bible through the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit and was given the authority to do so. Early writings from the Church Fathers are under the Scriptural support below for historical support. My personal essay of the Spiritual Cafeteria Line is under that.
Here is the Origin of the Bible. The Bible was canonized by the Catholic/Orthodox Church Inspired with the Holy Spirit by the Council of Hippo and the Council of Carthage between 367-387 AD. Christ gave the Church this authority.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k0UV2Zi5X0&t=215s
The Authority to Interpret the Bible, hisotircal and Biblical support
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp4hyP8o0Mc
Church as an Authority
This cannot be done outside of one ecclesial body. There is no authority outside of one denominational branch to another. For example, disputes cannot be resolved between a Methodist and Presbyterian.
Matthew 18:15-18
Dealing With Sin in the Church
15 “If your brother or sister[a] sins,[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[c] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.
Here, Jesus gives the authority to His disciples to be used as instruments to FORGIVE SINS. This did not stop with His original Apostles. This authority was passed on down the historic Christian priesthood as it was passed down the lineage in ancient Judaism. 2000 years of Church history supports this and centuries of ancient Judaism do as well.
John 20:21-23
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
The Church is a kingdom, not a democracy or theological debate club. There were 12 disciples as there were 12 tribes of Israel
Luke 22:29-30
29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus appoints Peter as the primary authority over the Church and the one who starts it. Every single reputable secular history source says Peter is the first Bishop of Rome which is the role as the first Pope. See blog titled "Why I converted to Catholicism."
https://julienicholscathollicconvert.blogspot.com/2019/05/why-i-converted-to-catholicism-julie.html
Matthew 16:14-25 New International Version (NIV)
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[c] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[d] loosed in heaven.”20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Luke 22:30-35 New International Version (NIV)
30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.
John 21:15-20 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
Ephesians 4:10-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers,[b] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[c] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
The Start of the Church
Mark 16:15-16
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
The Church is the foundation and pillar of Truth
I Timothy 14:15
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Church Must be of One, of One Mind and One Spirit
Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Christ warns about those that try to cause divisions
Romans 16:15-20 New International Version (NIV)
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heardabout your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Jesus Prays for All Believers to be one so the world will know who sent Christ, not thousands of divisions we have today
John 17: 20-23
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one,Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Christ is the Head of the Church; He started One Church, not thousands although there are Christians in all of them
Colossians 1:15-20
The Supremacy of the Son of God
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
A fraction of Early Christian Writings/Church Fathers that speak of the Church
Tertullian Against Valentinians ch 4 (160-240 ad)
Valentinus had expected to become a bishop, because he was an able man both in genius and eloquence. Being indignant, however, that another obtained the dignity by reason of a claim which confessorship had given him, he broke with the church of the true faith.
Tertullian On Prayer ch 2 (160-240 ad)
Nor is even our mother the Church passed by, if, that is, in the Father and the Son is recognized the mother, from whom arises the name both of Father and of Son.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 69 par 2 (200-270 ad)
It is also necessary that he should be anointed who is baptized; so that, having received the chrism, that is, the anointing, he may be anointed of God, and have in him the grace of Christ. Further, it is the Eucharist whence the baptized are anointed with the oil sanctified on the altar. But he cannot sanctify the creature of oil, who has neither an altar nor a church; whence also there can be no spiritual anointing among heretics, since it is manifest that the oil cannot be sanctified nor the Eucharist celebrated at all among them.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 61 par 4 (200-270 ad)
For they cannot live out of it, since the house of God is one, and there can be no salvation to any except in the Church.
Hilary of Poitiers On the Trinity book 7 par 4 (300-367 ad)
This is a truth which the passionate zeal of rival heresies brings into the clearest prominence. The Church, ordained by the Lord and established by His Apostles, is one for all; but the frantic folly of discordant sects has severed them from her.
Augustine Catechising the uninstructed par 2 (354-430 ad)
I feel constrained not only by that love and service which is due from me to you on the terms of familiar friendship, but also by that which I owe universally to my mother the Church
Jerome dialogue against the Luciferians par 21 (347-420 ad)
For there is no such thing as a Church without bishops
Jerome dialogue against the Luciferians par 21 (347-420 ad)
Since Hilary when he left the Church was only a deacon, and since the Church is to him, though to him alone, a mere worldly multitude, he can neither duly celebrate the Eucharist, for he has no bishops or priests
Jerome Letter 22 par 13 (347-420 ad)
I cannot bring myself to speak of the many virgins who daily fall and are lost to the bosom of the church, their mother
John Chrysostom Homily 14 on Hebrews (347-407 ad)
Nay, one would not be wrong in saying even this; for The Church is heavenly, and is nothing else than Heaven
Augustine On Holy Virginity par 5 (354-430 ad)
His mother is the whole Church, because she herself assuredly gives birth to His members, that is, His faithful ones.
Augustine Letter 98 par 3 (354-430 ad)
We have done nothing; we have not of our own accord hastened to participate in profane rites, forsaking the bread and the cup of the Lord; the apostasy of others caused our destruction; we found our parents murderers, for they deprived us of our Mother the Church and of our Father the Lord, so that, through the wrong done by others, we were en-snared
Augustine Homily 3 on the First Epistle of John par 1 (354-430 ad)
Now his mother is the Church; and her breasts are the two Testaments of the Divine Scriptures. Hence let him suck the milk of all the things that as signs of spiritual truths were done in time for our eternal salvation, that being nourished and strengthened, he may attain to the eating of solid meat, which is, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Our milk is Christ in His humility; our meat, the selfsame Christ equal with the Father.
Gregory the Great Letters Book 4 letter 38 (540-604 ad)
It has come to our knowledge from the report of certain persons that your Glory has been led on by some bishops even to the offence against holy Church of suspending yourself from the communion of Catholic unanimity….
For we venerate the four holy synods; the Nicene, in which Arius, the Constantinopolitan, in which Macedonius, the first Ephesine, in which Nestorius, and the Chalcedonians, in which Eutyches and Dioscorus, were condemned; declaring that whosoever thinks otherwise than these four synods did is alien from the true faith. (4 different places one Church)
Valentinus had expected to become a bishop, because he was an able man both in genius and eloquence. Being indignant, however, that another obtained the dignity by reason of a claim which confessorship had given him, he broke with the church of the true faith.
Tertullian On Prayer ch 2 (160-240 ad)
Nor is even our mother the Church passed by, if, that is, in the Father and the Son is recognized the mother, from whom arises the name both of Father and of Son.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 69 par 2 (200-270 ad)
It is also necessary that he should be anointed who is baptized; so that, having received the chrism, that is, the anointing, he may be anointed of God, and have in him the grace of Christ. Further, it is the Eucharist whence the baptized are anointed with the oil sanctified on the altar. But he cannot sanctify the creature of oil, who has neither an altar nor a church; whence also there can be no spiritual anointing among heretics, since it is manifest that the oil cannot be sanctified nor the Eucharist celebrated at all among them.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 61 par 4 (200-270 ad)
For they cannot live out of it, since the house of God is one, and there can be no salvation to any except in the Church.
Hilary of Poitiers On the Trinity book 7 par 4 (300-367 ad)
This is a truth which the passionate zeal of rival heresies brings into the clearest prominence. The Church, ordained by the Lord and established by His Apostles, is one for all; but the frantic folly of discordant sects has severed them from her.
Augustine Catechising the uninstructed par 2 (354-430 ad)
I feel constrained not only by that love and service which is due from me to you on the terms of familiar friendship, but also by that which I owe universally to my mother the Church
Jerome dialogue against the Luciferians par 21 (347-420 ad)
For there is no such thing as a Church without bishops
Jerome dialogue against the Luciferians par 21 (347-420 ad)
Since Hilary when he left the Church was only a deacon, and since the Church is to him, though to him alone, a mere worldly multitude, he can neither duly celebrate the Eucharist, for he has no bishops or priests
Jerome Letter 22 par 13 (347-420 ad)
I cannot bring myself to speak of the many virgins who daily fall and are lost to the bosom of the church, their mother
John Chrysostom Homily 14 on Hebrews (347-407 ad)
Nay, one would not be wrong in saying even this; for The Church is heavenly, and is nothing else than Heaven
Augustine On Holy Virginity par 5 (354-430 ad)
His mother is the whole Church, because she herself assuredly gives birth to His members, that is, His faithful ones.
Augustine Letter 98 par 3 (354-430 ad)
We have done nothing; we have not of our own accord hastened to participate in profane rites, forsaking the bread and the cup of the Lord; the apostasy of others caused our destruction; we found our parents murderers, for they deprived us of our Mother the Church and of our Father the Lord, so that, through the wrong done by others, we were en-snared
Augustine Homily 3 on the First Epistle of John par 1 (354-430 ad)
Now his mother is the Church; and her breasts are the two Testaments of the Divine Scriptures. Hence let him suck the milk of all the things that as signs of spiritual truths were done in time for our eternal salvation, that being nourished and strengthened, he may attain to the eating of solid meat, which is, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Our milk is Christ in His humility; our meat, the selfsame Christ equal with the Father.
Gregory the Great Letters Book 4 letter 38 (540-604 ad)
It has come to our knowledge from the report of certain persons that your Glory has been led on by some bishops even to the offence against holy Church of suspending yourself from the communion of Catholic unanimity….
For we venerate the four holy synods; the Nicene, in which Arius, the Constantinopolitan, in which Macedonius, the first Ephesine, in which Nestorius, and the Chalcedonians, in which Eutyches and Dioscorus, were condemned; declaring that whosoever thinks otherwise than these four synods did is alien from the true faith. (4 different places one Church)
Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of John (240-303 ad)
For the kingdom of Christ is now eternal in the saints, although the glory of the saints shall be manifested after the resurrection.
Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John ch 11 (240-303 ad)
8. "And their dead bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt." But He calls Jerusalem Sodom and Egypt, since it had become the heaping up of the persecuting people.
Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John ch 20 (240-303 ad)
1-3. "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a chain in his hand. And he held the dragon, that old serpent, which is called the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed a little season." Those years wherein Satan is bound are in the first advent of Christ, even to the end of the age; and they are called a thousand, according to that mode of speaking, wherein a part is signified by the whole, just as is that passage, "the word which He commanded for a thousand generations," although they are not a thousand.
"He shut the door upon him," it is said, that is, he forbade and restrained his seducing those who belong to Christ. Moreover, he put a seal upon him, because it is hidden who belong to the side of the devil, and who to that of Christ. For we know not of those who seem to stand whether they shall not fall, and of those who are down it is uncertain whether they may rise. [R] [+] Moreover, that he says that he is bound and shut up, that he may not seduce the nations, the nations signify the Church, seeing that of them it itself is formed, and which being seduced, he previously held until, he says, the thousand years should be completed, that is, what is left of the sixth day, to wit, of the sixth age, which subsists for a thousand years; after this he must be loosed for a little season. The little season signifies three years and six months, in which with all his power the devil will avenge himself trader Antichrist against the Church.
Ambrose of Milan On the Christian Faith book 5 ch 7.150 (340-397 ad)
It is a good thing to be in the kingdom of Christ, so that Christ may be with us; as He Himself says: "Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
Ambrose of Milan On the Christian Faith book 5 ch 7 (340-397 ad)
Here we are the kingdom of Christ, and in Christ's kingdom. Hereafter we shall be in the kingdom of God, where the Trinity will reign together.
John Chysostom Homily 83 on the Gospel of John (347-407 ad)
"If My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews." He undoeth that which Pilate for a while had feared, namely, the suspicion of seizing kingly power, "Is then His kingdom not of this world also?" Certainly it is. "How then saith He it 'is not'?" Not because He doth not rule here, but because He hath his empire from above, and because it is not human, but far greater than this and more splendid.
Augustine of Hippo tractate 115 (354-430 ad)
He saith not, "But now is my kingdom not" here, but, "is not from hence." For His kingdom is here until the end of the world, having tares intermingled therewith until the harvest; for the harvest is the end of the world, when the reapers, that is to say, the angels, shall come and gather out of His kingdom everything that offendeth; which certainly would not be done, were it not that His kingdom is here. But still it is not from hence; for it only sojourns as a stranger in the world: because He says to His kingdom, "Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." They were therefore of the world, so long as they were not His kingdom, but belonged to the prince of this world.
For the kingdom of Christ is now eternal in the saints, although the glory of the saints shall be manifested after the resurrection.
Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John ch 11 (240-303 ad)
8. "And their dead bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt." But He calls Jerusalem Sodom and Egypt, since it had become the heaping up of the persecuting people.
Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John ch 20 (240-303 ad)
1-3. "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a chain in his hand. And he held the dragon, that old serpent, which is called the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed a little season." Those years wherein Satan is bound are in the first advent of Christ, even to the end of the age; and they are called a thousand, according to that mode of speaking, wherein a part is signified by the whole, just as is that passage, "the word which He commanded for a thousand generations," although they are not a thousand.
"He shut the door upon him," it is said, that is, he forbade and restrained his seducing those who belong to Christ. Moreover, he put a seal upon him, because it is hidden who belong to the side of the devil, and who to that of Christ. For we know not of those who seem to stand whether they shall not fall, and of those who are down it is uncertain whether they may rise. [R] [+] Moreover, that he says that he is bound and shut up, that he may not seduce the nations, the nations signify the Church, seeing that of them it itself is formed, and which being seduced, he previously held until, he says, the thousand years should be completed, that is, what is left of the sixth day, to wit, of the sixth age, which subsists for a thousand years; after this he must be loosed for a little season. The little season signifies three years and six months, in which with all his power the devil will avenge himself trader Antichrist against the Church.
Ambrose of Milan On the Christian Faith book 5 ch 7.150 (340-397 ad)
It is a good thing to be in the kingdom of Christ, so that Christ may be with us; as He Himself says: "Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
Ambrose of Milan On the Christian Faith book 5 ch 7 (340-397 ad)
Here we are the kingdom of Christ, and in Christ's kingdom. Hereafter we shall be in the kingdom of God, where the Trinity will reign together.
John Chysostom Homily 83 on the Gospel of John (347-407 ad)
"If My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews." He undoeth that which Pilate for a while had feared, namely, the suspicion of seizing kingly power, "Is then His kingdom not of this world also?" Certainly it is. "How then saith He it 'is not'?" Not because He doth not rule here, but because He hath his empire from above, and because it is not human, but far greater than this and more splendid.
Augustine of Hippo tractate 115 (354-430 ad)
He saith not, "But now is my kingdom not" here, but, "is not from hence." For His kingdom is here until the end of the world, having tares intermingled therewith until the harvest; for the harvest is the end of the world, when the reapers, that is to say, the angels, shall come and gather out of His kingdom everything that offendeth; which certainly would not be done, were it not that His kingdom is here. But still it is not from hence; for it only sojourns as a stranger in the world: because He says to His kingdom, "Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." They were therefore of the world, so long as they were not His kingdom, but belonged to the prince of this world.
Augustine of Hippo City of God book XX ch 9 [354- 430ad]
But while the devil is bound, the saints reign with Christ during the same thousand years, understood in the same way, that is, of the time of His first coming. For, leaving out of account that kingdom concerning which He shall say in the e...nd, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you," the Church could not now be called His kingdom or the kingdom of heaven unless His saints were even now reigning with Him…..
And from the Church those reapers shall gather out the tares which He suffered to grow with the wheat till the harvest, as He explains in the words "The harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered together and burned with fire, so shall it be in the end of the world. The Son of man shall send His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all offenses." Can He mean out of that kingdom in which are no offenses? Then it must be out of His present kingdom, the Church, that they are gathered. So He says, "He that breaketh one of the least of these commandments, and teacheth men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth and teacheth thus shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." He speaks of both as being in the kingdom of heaven, (Teaching about the Church being the kingdom of God and the amillenial view of eschatology)
And from the Church those reapers shall gather out the tares which He suffered to grow with the wheat till the harvest, as He explains in the words "The harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered together and burned with fire, so shall it be in the end of the world. The Son of man shall send His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all offenses." Can He mean out of that kingdom in which are no offenses? Then it must be out of His present kingdom, the Church, that they are gathered. So He says, "He that breaketh one of the least of these commandments, and teacheth men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth and teacheth thus shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." He speaks of both as being in the kingdom of heaven, (Teaching about the Church being the kingdom of God and the amillenial view of eschatology)
Augustine Reply to Faustus the Manichean Book 4 par 2 (354-430 ad)
These things you do not understand, because, as the prophet said, instructed in the kingdom of heaven, -- that is, in the true Catholic Church of Christ.
Augustine On Holy Virginity par 24 (354-430 ad)
For, although at times the Church, even that which is at this time, is called the kingdom of heaven; certainly it is so called for this end, because it is being gathered together for a future and eternal life
Peter as the First Bishop of Rome/First Pope--Church Fathers
These things you do not understand, because, as the prophet said, instructed in the kingdom of heaven, -- that is, in the true Catholic Church of Christ.
Augustine On Holy Virginity par 24 (354-430 ad)
For, although at times the Church, even that which is at this time, is called the kingdom of heaven; certainly it is so called for this end, because it is being gathered together for a future and eternal life
Peter as the First Bishop of Rome/First Pope--Church Fathers
Clement Recognitions book 1 (27-97 ad)
The epistle in which the same Clement, writing to James the Lord's brother, informs him of the death of Peter, and that he had left him his successor in his chair and teaching, and in which also the whole subject of church order is treated, I have not prefixed to this work, both because it is of later date, and because I have already translated and published it. But I do not think it out of place to explain here what in that letter will perhaps seem to some to be inconsistent. For some ask, Since Linus and Cletus were bishops in the city of Rome before this Clement, how could Clement himself, writing to James, say that the chair of teaching was handed over to him by Peter? Now of this we have heard this explanation, that Linus and Cletus were indeed bishops in the city of Rome before Clement, but during the lifetime of Peter: that is, that they undertook the care of the episcopate, and that he fulfilled the office of apostleship; as is found also to have been the case at Caesarea, where, when he himself was present, he yet had Zacchaeus, ordained by himself, as bishop. And in this way both statements will appear to be true, both that these bishops are reckoned before Clement, and yet that Clement received the teacher's seat on the death of Peter.
First letter of Clement to the Corrinthians ch 5 (27-97 ad)
Let us take the noble examples furnished in our own generation. Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles. Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours, and when he had finally suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. (mentions Peter first)
Teachings of the Apostles Syriac
Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 22 (160- 240 ad)
Was anything withheld from the knowledge of Peter, who is called "the rock on which the church should be built," who also obtained "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," with the power of "loosing and binding in heaven and on earth?"
Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 32 (160- 240 ad)
For it is evident that those menlived not so long ago,--in the reign of Antoninus for the most part,--and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherus, until on account of their ever restless curiosity,with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelled
Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics ch 36 (160- 240 ad)
The apostolic churches the voice of the apostles, let the heretics examine their apostolic claims, in each case, indisputable. The Church of Rome doubly apostolic; its early eminence and excellence. Heresy, as perverting the truth, is connected therewith. [+] Come now, you who would indulge a better curiosity, if you would apply it to the business of your salvation, run over the apostolic churches, in which the very thrones of the apostles are still pre-eminent in their places, in which their own authentic writings are read, uttering the voice and representing the face of each of them severally. Achaia is very near you, (in which) you find Corinth. Since you are not far from Macedonia, you have Philippi; cross to Asia, you get Ephesus. Since, moreover, you are close upon Italy, you have Rome, from which there comes even into our own hands the very authority (of apostles themselves). How happy is its church, on which apostles poured forth all their doctrine along with their blood! where Peter endures a passion like his Lord's!
Tertullian The Prescription Against Heretics ch 32 [160-240 AD]
"[T]his is the way in which the apostolic churches transmit their lists: like the church of the Smyrneans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John, like the church of the Romans, where Clement was ordained by Peter" (Demurrer Against the Heretics 32:2 [A.D. 200]).
Caius Fragment 2 AGAINST THE HERESY OF ARTEMON ch 1 (180-240 ad)
For they say that all those of the first age, and the apostles themselves, both received and taught those things which these men now maintain; and that the truth of Gospel preaching was preserved until the times of Victor, who was the thirteenth bishop in Rome from Peter,
Origen Commentary on the Gospel of John book 5 ch 3 (185-254 ad)
Paul, who fulfilled the Gospel from Jerusalem round about to Illyricum, did not write epistles to all the churches he taught, and to those to whom he did write he sent no more than a few lines. And Peter, on whom the Church of Christ is built, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail left only one epistle of acknowledged genuineness. Suppose we allow that he left a second; for this is doubtful….
But he wrote also the Apocalypse, being commanded to be silent and not to write the voices of the seven thunders. But he also left an epistle of very few lines. Suppose also a second and a third, since not all pronounce these to be genuine; but the two together do not amount to a hundred lines.
Origen Commentary on the Gospel of John Book 5 par 3 (185-254 ad)
And Peter, on whom the Church of Christ is built, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail left only one epistle of acknowledged genuineness.
Origen Commentary on Matthew book 7 ch 14 (185-254)
and if any one who is not a Peter, and does not possess the things here spoken of, imagines as a Peter that he will so bind on earth that the things bound are bound in heaven, and will so loose on earth that the things loosed are loosed in heaven, he is puffed up, not understanding the meaning of the Scriptures, and, being puffed up, has fallen into the ruin of the devil.
Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 45 par 2 [200-270 AD]
We," they say, "know that Cornelius is bishop of the most holy Catholic Church elected by Almighty God, and by Christ our Lord. We confess our error; we have suffered imposture; we were deceived by captious perfidy and loquacity. For although we seemed, as it were, to have held a kind of communion with a man who was a schismatic and a heretic, yet our mind was always sincere in the Church. For we are not ignorant that there is one God; that there is one Christ the Lord whom we have confessed, and one Holy Spirit; and that in the Catholic Church there ought to be one bishop."
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 74 par 16 (200-270 ad)
But what is the greatness of his error, and what the depth of his blindness, who says that remission of sins can be granted in the synagogues of heretics, and does not abide on the foundation of the one Church which was once based by Christ upon the rock, may be perceived from this, that Christ said to Peter alone, "Whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." And again, in the Gospel, when Christ breathed on the apostles alone, saying, remitted unto them, and whose soever sins ye retain they are retained." Therefore the power of remitting sins was given to the apostles, and to the churches which they, sent by Christ, established, and to the bishops who succeeded to them by vicarious ordination. But the enemies of the one Catholic Church in which we are, and the adversaries of us who have succeeded the apostles, asserting for themselves, in opposition to us, unlawful priesthoods, and setting up profane altars, what else are they than Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, profane with a like wickedness, and about to suffer the same punishments which they did, as well as those who agree with them, just as their partners and abettors perished with a like death to theirs?
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 72 par 7 (200-270 ad)
But it is manifest where and by whom remission of sins can be given; to wit, that which is given in baptism. For first of all the Lord gave that power to Peter, upon whom He built the Church, and whence He appointed and showed the source of unity--the power, namely, that whatsoever he loosed on earth should be loosed in heaven. And after the resurrection, also, He speaks to the apostles, saying, "As the Father hath sent me, even so I send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith, unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained." Whence we perceive that only they who are set over the Church and established in the Gospel law, and in the ordinance of the Lord, are allowed to baptize and to give remission of sins; but that without, nothing can either be bound or loosed, where there is none who can either bind or loose anything.
Cyprian of Carthage epistle 54 par 14 (200-270 ad)
After such things as these, moreover, they still dare--a false bishop having been appointed for them by, heretics--to set sail and to bear letters from schismatic and profane persons to the throne of Peter, and to the chief church whence priestly unity takes its source; and not to consider that these were the Romans whose faith was praised in the preaching of the apostle, to whom faithlessness could have no access.
Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 51 par 8 [200-270 AD]
"Cornelius was made bishop by the decision of God and of his Christ, by the testimony of almost all the clergy, by the applause of the people then present, by the college of venerable priests and good men, at a time when no one had been made [bishop] before him-when the place of [Pope] Fabian, which is the place of Peter, the dignity of the sacerdotal chair, was vacant. Since it has been occupied both at the will of God and with the ratified consent of all of us, whoever now wishes to become bishop must do so outside. For he cannot have ecclesiastical rank who does not hold to the unity of the Church"
Cyprian of Carthage Treatise 1 par 4 [200-270 AD]
There is one God, and Christ is one, and there is one Church, and one chair founded upon the rock by the word of the Lord. Another altar cannot be constituted nor a new priesthood be made, except the one altar and the one priesthood. Whosoever gathereth elsewhere, scattereth.
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
...and guardian of all preceding and subsequent occupiers of this pontifical chair ...Peter was the first of the apostles...
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
A cycle of two hundred and eighty-five years from the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had rolled round, when the venerable Theonas, the bishop of this city, by an ethereal flight, mounted upwards to the celestial kingdoms. To him Peter, succeeding at the helm of the Church, was by all the clergy and the whole Christian community appointed bishop, the sixteenth in order from Mark the Evangelist, who was also archbishop of the city.
Acts of Andrew (260 ad)
And while he was thus speaking, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to them in the form of a child, and said to them: Hail, Peter, bishop of the whole of my Church!
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
feared to rend His coat; he was so hurried on by giving the rein to his madness, that, rending asunder the Catholic Church not only in the cities of Egypt, but even in its villages, he ordained bishops of his own party, nor cared he aught for Peter, nor for Christ, who was in the person of Peter.
Peter of Alexandria Genuine Acts of Peter (260-311ad)
In these days information was brought to Maximin about the aforesaid archbishop, that he was a leader and holding chief place among the Christians; and he, inflamed with his accustomed iniquity, on the instant ordered Peter to be apprehended and cast into prison.... Now while the man of God was being kept for a few days in the same stocks,
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 10 ch 1 (295-340 ad)
Copy of an epistle in which the emperor commands another synod to be held for the purpose of removing all dissensions among the bishops. [+] "Constantine Augustus to Chrestus, bishop of Syracuse. When some began wickedly and perversely to disagree among themselves in regard to the holy worship and celestial power and Catholic doctrine, wishing to put an end to such disputes among them, I formerly gave command that certain bishops should be sent from Gaul, and that the opposing parties who were contending persistently and incessantly with each other, should be summoned from Africa; that in their presence, and in the presence of the bishop of Rome, the matter which appeared to be causing the disturbance might be examined and decided with all care.
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 3 (295-340ad)
Peter appears to have preached in Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia to the Jews of the dispersion.... And at last, having come to Rome, he was crucified head-downwards; for he had requested that he might suffer in this way
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 3 (295-340ad)
As to the rest of his followers, Paul testifies that Crescens was sent to Gaul; but Linus, whom he mentions in the Second Epistle to Timothy as his companion at Rome, was Peter's successor in the episcopate of the church there,
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 4 (295-340ad)
At that time also Alexander, the fifth in the line of succession from Peter and Paul, received the episcopate at Rome, after Evarestus had held the office eight years
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 4 (295-340ad)
In the eighth year of the above-mentioned reign Soter succeeded Anicetus as bishop of the church of Rome, after the latter had held office eleven years in all. But when Celadion had presided over the church of Alexandria for fourteen years tie was succeeded by Agrippinus. [+] At that time also in the church of Antioch, was well known as the sixth from the apostles. For Cornelius, who succeeded Hero, was the fourth, and after him Eros, the fifth in order, had held the office of bishop. [+] AT that time there flourished in the Church Hegesippus, whom we know from what has gone before, and Dionysius, bishop of Corinth, and another bishop, Pinytus of Crete, and besides these, Philip, and Apolinarius, and Melito, and Musanus, and Modestus, and finally, Irenaeus. From them has come down to us in writing, the sound and orthodox faith received from apostolic tradition
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 2 (295-340ad)
And so greatly did the splendor of piety illumine the minds of Peter's hearers that they were not satisfied with hearing once only, and were not content with the unwritten teaching of the divine Gospel, but with all sorts of entreaties they besought Mark, a follower of Peter, and the one whose Gospel is extant, that he would leave them a written monument of the doctrine which had been orally communicated to them.... And Peter makes mention of Mark in his first epistle which they say that he wrote in Rome itself, as is indicated by him, when he calls the city, by a figure, Babylon, as he does in the following words: "The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son...
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History book 2 (295-340ad)
It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero. This account of Peter and Paul is substantiated by the fact that their names are preserved in the cemeteries of that place even to the present day. It is confirmed likewise by Caius, a member of the Church, who arose under Zephyrinus, bishop of Rome. He, in a published disputation with Proclus, the leader of the Phrygian heresy, speaks as follows concerning the places where the sacred corpses of the aforesaid apostles are laid: "But I can show the trophies of the apostles. For if you will go to the Vatican or to the Ostian way, you will find the trophies of those who laid the foundations of this church." And that they both suffered martyrdom at the same time is stated by Dionysius, bishop of Corinth, in his epistle to the Romans, in the following words: "You have thus by such an admonition bound together the planting of Peter and of Paul at Rome and Corinth. For both of them planted and likewise taught us in our Corinth. And they taught together in like manner in Italy, and suffered martyrdom at the same time." I have quoted these things in order that the truth of the history might be still more confirmed.
Eusebius of Caesarea Church History (Book V) [265-340 AD]
...Victor, who was the thirteenth bishop of Rome from Peter...
Lactantius Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died ch 2 (290-350 ad)
And while Nero reigned, the Apostle Peter came to Rome, and, through the power of God committed unto him, wrought certain miracles, and, by turning many to the true religion, built up a faithful and stedfast temple unto the Lord
Ambrose Exposition of the Christian Faith par 57 [340-397 AD]
"[Christ] made answer: 'You are Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church. . . .' Could he not, then, strengthen the faith of the man to whom, acting on his own authority, he gave the kingdom, whom he called the rock, thereby declaring him to be the foundation of the Church [Matt. 16:18]?"
Ambrose Concerning Repentance Book I ch 7 par 33 [340-397 AD]
"[T]hey [the Novatian heretics] have not the succession of Peter, who hold not the chair of Peter, which they rend by wicked schism; and this, too, they do, wickedly denying that sins can be forgiven [by the sacrament of confession] even in the Church, whereas it was said to Peter: 'I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven, and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven'[Matt. 16:19]"
My mother grew up Methodist and became Episcopalian/Anglican when she married my father in 1967. My dad was an Episcopalian for 60 years. Most of you know I grew up aa a female altar server in the Episcopal/Anglican Church, went to the Baptist Church for 13 years, returned to Anglicanism through Nigeria for 6 years, and then became Catholic after a third loss of a Church home over Church rebellion and theological clashes. My experiences in the Baptist and Anglican traditions gave me the faith in Christ today for which I will always be grateful. I do understand and appreciate what other Christians believe because I understand the journey. After experiencing many years of theological relativism and disagreement, I finally surrendered my stubborn will. I personally don't like all of the teachings of the Catholic Church, but I am learning to appreciate them. The Lord had to turn my faith upside down for me to surrender. I was like a rebellious child picking and choosing what I wanted.
Last night, my mother asked me a very fair question that a few others have asked as well. "Julie, how can you accept all of those Roman dogmas and doctrines?" I used an illustration of "the spiritual cafeteria line." In Protestantism/Anglicanism, I treated Christianity like a cafeteria line. As an Anglican/Protestant, I chose what I wanted to believe and discarded what I didn't like from what the Church has taught for 2000 years. Each Protestant reformer did the same thing in the 1500s. Each one created his own theological model with his own preferences and discarded what he didn't like from the Catholic Church. By the way, the Protestant reformers despised each other overall because their teachings were not unified and varied greatly. The later reformers took what they liked and discarded what they disliked from the early Protestant reformers and also the Church Fathers creating a spirtual cafeteria line of over 30,000 denominations all disagreeing over what is required for salvation.
When I visited the cafeteria regularly as a Protestant/Anglican, I was picking and choosing what I wanted. I loved the doctrine of the Trinity but didn't like the idea that my soul had to be purified by fire before entering heaven (Purgatory). I loved the idea of eternal security but hated the idea that I could turn my back on God and fall from grace. I didn't like the idea that I had to regularly confess and repent of sins to a priest to worthily receive Christ's Body and Blood in the Eucharist. I thought confessing straight to the Lord and through the spoken liturgy were enough no matter how grave my sins were. I didn't like how much the Catholic Church elevated Mary. I thought she was just an ordinary girl who was used as a vessel. I didn't like that the Church Fathers for centuries referred to Mary as. "The Queen of Heaven. Holy Mother, a Perpetual Virgin." I liked choosing what I thought was required for salvation rather than what the Catholic Church taught for 2000 years.
Well, I was wrong. Christianity is not a cafeteria line of likes and dislikes. i do not get to choose what I want to believe about Christianity and discard what 1000 years of Church councils and Church Fathers said collectively about the Bible for centuries since they wrote and canonized it with the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I told my mother that I surrendered to the Church Jesus founded. Every single secular history source (except anti-Catholic) says that Jesus and His Apostles started the Catholic Church and each Protestant Church was started by a man or a few men with their own ideas. I may not like everything the Catholic Church teaches, but my likes and dislikes are not my choice. Centuries of Church Fathers and Church councils know how to interpret the Bible a whole lot better than I do.
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive my stubborn will, for not loving you, our Mother, and Your Church the way I should, and for being my own Pope and interpreter of Scripture. You gave your Authority to the Catholic Church, and I finally surrender to that authority. Help me to stay faithful to the teachings of the Church which have not changed in 2000 years.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now until the hour of our death. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
1. The New Book of Knowledge, Page 287
“Roman Catholic Church –the history of the Roman Catholic Church begun in an upper room inJerusalem
.
2. The World Almanac and Book of Facts <Edition 2009> Page 688
“Roman Catholics –traditionally founded by Jesus who named St. Peter the 1stvicar, developed in early Christian proselytizing, especially after the conversion of imperial Rome in the 4thcentury."
.
3. The Old World andAmerica
“More than 1900 years ago, Jesus Christ Son of God, came upon earth to save mankind. After His atoning death on the cross He rose glorious and immortal. Before leaving this world to go to the Father, Our Lord founded the Catholic Church and gave to that Church the command to teach all nations.”
.
4. The New Webster’s Dictionary of English Language <International Edition> Page 155.
" Catholic - of the original Christian Church before the schism between East and West - of the Roman or Western Church after this schism and before the reformation."
.
5. International Encyclopedia, Volume 20, Page 520 “Roman Catholic Church - There are two equally valid definition of the Catholic Church, comparable to the twofold nature of Jesus Christ, its founder, who was both human and divine."
6. Young Students Encyclopedia, Volume 17, Page 261
“Roman Catholicism - the largest of the Christian denomination is the Roman Catholic Church. As an institution it has existed since the 1stcentury AD. For the first 1,000 years all christians belongs to Catholic Church”
.
7. Compton’s Encyclopedia & Fact-Index, Volume 20, Page 2024
“Roman Catholic Church - For the first thousand years after the death of Jesus Christ, all Christians were members of one religion – Christianity. There were no separate sects, or branches, of Christianity as there are today. The word “catholic” means “universal,” and for those first thousand years, all Christians were members of theCatholic Church.
.
8. Grollier Encyclopedia, Volume V, page 106
“Catholic Church - (Gr. Katholikos, universal, general). Term generally applied to the Divine society founded by Jesus Christ, and endowed by the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost"
.
9. Encyclopedia Britannica
"Catholic Church - a Christian church that has been the decisive spiritual force in the history of western civilization. The Catholic Church traces its history to Jesus Christ and the Apostles."
.
10. The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Page 267
"Catholic Church - the community of Christian believers, a society founded by Jesus Christ. It is One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic."
.
11. The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol.13, Page 5730
"The Catholic Church recognizes the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, as the vicar of Christ on Earth. It traces its origin from the naming of Apostle Peter as the Chief of Apostles."
.
12. The National Almanac 1996
"Roman Catholic authority rests upon the mandate that is traced to the action of Jesus Christ himself, when he vested Peter and through Peter his successors with the power of the keys in the Church. Christ is the invisible head of the Church and by his authority, the Pope is the visible head."
1. The New Book of Knowledge, Page 287
“Roman Catholic Church –the history of the Roman Catholic Church begun in an upper room in
.
2. The World Almanac and Book of Facts <Edition 2009> Page 688
“Roman Catholics –traditionally founded by Jesus who named St. Peter the 1stvicar, developed in early Christian proselytizing, especially after the conversion of imperial Rome in the 4thcentury."
.
3. The Old World and
“More than 1900 years ago, Jesus Christ Son of God, came upon earth to save mankind. After His atoning death on the cross He rose glorious and immortal. Before leaving this world to go to the Father, Our Lord founded the Catholic Church and gave to that Church the command to teach all nations.”
.
4. The New Webster’s Dictionary of English Language <International Edition> Page 155.
" Catholic - of the original Christian Church before the schism between East and West - of the Roman or Western Church after this schism and before the reformation."
.
5. International Encyclopedia, Volume 20, Page 520 “Roman Catholic Church - There are two equally valid definition of the Catholic Church, comparable to the twofold nature of Jesus Christ, its founder, who was both human and divine."
6. Young Students Encyclopedia, Volume 17, Page 261
“Roman Catholicism - the largest of the Christian denomination is the Roman Catholic Church. As an institution it has existed since the 1stcentury AD. For the first 1,000 years all christians belongs to Catholic Church”
.
7. Compton’s Encyclopedia & Fact-Index, Volume 20, Page 2024
“Roman Catholic Church - For the first thousand years after the death of Jesus Christ, all Christians were members of one religion – Christianity. There were no separate sects, or branches, of Christianity as there are today. The word “catholic” means “universal,” and for those first thousand years, all Christians were members of the
.
8. Grollier Encyclopedia, Volume V, page 106
“Catholic Church - (Gr. Katholikos, universal, general). Term generally applied to the Divine society founded by Jesus Christ, and endowed by the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost"
.
9. Encyclopedia Britannica
"Catholic Church - a Christian church that has been the decisive spiritual force in the history of western civilization. The Catholic Church traces its history to Jesus Christ and the Apostles."
.
10. The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Page 267
"Catholic Church - the community of Christian believers, a society founded by Jesus Christ. It is One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic."
.
11. The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol.13, Page 5730
"The Catholic Church recognizes the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, as the vicar of Christ on Earth. It traces its origin from the naming of Apostle Peter as the Chief of Apostles."
.
12. The National Almanac 1996
"Roman Catholic authority rests upon the mandate that is traced to the action of Jesus Christ himself, when he vested Peter and through Peter his successors with the power of the keys in the Church. Christ is the invisible head of the Church and by his authority, the Pope is the visible head."
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