I am talking about THE HEADQUARTERS, THE VATICAN. Or did all that come after Peter.
Becky
No, but he is operating from a position of power. Ask it the other way. If the Afghans defeated America, would they come live here? Darn tootin'.
The Church "took over" the Empire in the sense that they were able to use its far flung power and interests to bring people to Christ. This would not have been nthe case if they never set up shop in the capital in the first place. Their impact would have been limited to their region.
As I said with the keys and the power of God it shouldn't matter where the headquarters are, actually it should. It should be in a place established, where there is you can be relativly sure of safty.
This isn't proven. In the capital city of the Empire you can be reasonable assurd of safety and can spread your message. What is the deal with Jerusalem? It is the capital of the Jews. Christianity is a religion for all peoples. The best way to get all peoples on board is to go where they are.
I am talking about THE HEADQUARTERS, THE VATICAN. Or did all that come after Peter.
Peter certainly didn't build St Peter's Bascillica. I don't think that any of us are arguing that Peter went to Rome and established a huge burequcratic organization. The structure and the order came as the Church grew. This was necessary and is not a bad thing. Structure is not bad.
But Peter was there and the people he left behind, appointed to succeed him were able to use their location to the advantage of the growth of the Church.
SD