[conservonator]

Indubitably. My point in quoting Augustine, though, is to show that his interpretation (as well as the other church fathers, I might add) of the Matthew 16 text is completely foreign to the preconceived theology that the Modern Roman Catholic church has imported into it with such things as Roman bishops' universal jurisdiction over the Church, Roman bishops as exclusive successors of Peter, infallibility, etc.

I'm not seeing where the concept of succession, inerrant teaching and authority are foreign concepts in either scripture or the writings of the fathers. Clearly, succession is evidenced in scripture, as is the granting of authority and a promise of inerrant teaching authority. Each of the important See's trace their roots to a particular apostle. Keep in mind that it is the Church, the pillar and foundation of truth against which the gates of hell shall not prevail, not a father or a layman that has the authority to make such decisions.

The office of the pope, like the Church, is found in scripture as evidenced by Peters particular commission, the exact nature and extent of that authority has evolved over the life of the Church and, as we will see, will continue to evolve because it is an office created by Christ Himself for His purpose and while He is unchanging, we are not, it is our understanding of its nature and authority that grows, not the office, it is what it is, and we mere men have no authority to dissolve that which He ordained, either the office of the pope or the one Church.

[RnMomof7]

The office of the pope, like the Church, is found in scripture as evidenced by Peters particular commission, the exact nature and extent of that authority has evolved over the life of the Church

You guys need to get on the same page.

annalex just wrote

" It is true that St. Peter did not preside over that council. No one claims he was Pope at that time. No one claims that the word "Pope" was in use that early either.

There is no contemporary record of Peter in Rome at all . Peter say the "rock" the foundation" as Christ himself and He taught not a "special " priesthood, but the Priesthood of the believer

1Pe 2:4 To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,

1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

1Pe 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light