Form the example I gave you it is clear that some people were priests and some were not in the Early Chruch. For example, the example in James 5:14 the scripture said to send away for a priest; in Acts 8:14-17 the baptism was not enough for the Holy Spirit to enter the person baptized and Sts. John and Peter had to be present. But I agree that the forgiving heart instruction applies to all of us, and to st. Peter. However, that is not the instruction given in John 20:23, and I explained the differnce in the post 147 to which you have now responded.
We have no number or sex mentioned for those disciples. The upper room had 120 with some women. If that room held that many, who is to say there wasn't that many or more in that room? You state that Jesus made it special because he breathed the Holy Spirit on them. I believe Peter was probably there but we can't tell by the context. His name is not mentioned.
We don't need to have the names and sexes listed in the scripture to tell that Christ is giving a specific commandment to those gathered. St. Peter received his power to open or shut the gates of heaven first and his name is mentioned in Matthew 16, but in this episode that same power (to forgive or retain sin is to open or close the gate of heaven) is given to some more disciples.
Naturally, this power was propagated down to other priests as we see from numerous examples of ordinations done by St. Paul, St. Timothy and St. Titus. If a priest to be was not there, well, he always could get his ordination later from someone empowered to do so.
I have the power to bind and loose by forgiving or not forgiving.
No because you do not do so sent by Christ to forgive sins against God. You should indeed forgive sins against you, but as the gospels explained, that would only matter for your own salvation, not the one whom you forgive. Besides, while you have the power also to not forgive, that will render your salvation impossible (see the power of the Unmerciful debtor); however, the disciples in John 20:23 are told to also retain sin, -- clearly this is then a different power.
John 20:23 does to but it does not mention St. Peter or anyone. It does not mean John 20:23 does not apply to St. Peter. Matthew 16:19 specifically mention St. Peter and his is given the power to operate the key to heaven. I don't know what else you want, but what I gave you is clear scripture in support of the point I am making and in answer to what you ask.
it shows no such thing
It says "you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come" (1 Cor 11:26). That death is the sacrifice and it is shown at the Mass. Read your scriptures.
The Catholic way came long after Paul's death
The doctrine of the Eucharist showing sacrifice of Christ and Christ's body is really present is the "Catholic way", explained in that passage.
annalex, thank you for this debate. Once again I apologize for taking so long to answer . We left for a few hours and got back well after dinner last night.
It is obvious we can never agree because we do not use the same source on which we base our belief system. As a Christian, I can only use the inspired writings of God. As a Catholic, you stated some of your truths are inspired, some are uninspired and some are based on tradition. That is the reason Catholics have to argue against scripture alone.
In your posts you keep returning to John 20:19-23 and declare those 5 lines of scripture are so special that a priesthood was developed. You also state instances where these Priest’s carry out special functions. Scripture calls those individuals, bishops, pastors or overseers. When they lay hands on another, they are infusing them with the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus. It is not some special gift given only to the apostles and their successors.
God the Father used a good part of the first 5 books of scripture to establish an earthly priesthood. He describes who could be a priest and their successors. What could be sacrificed and how. Each article of their clothes while performing these duties, etc.
Do a word search for “priest” in the New Testament books. I believe you will only find 2 kinds listed. One is listed more than the other, the Old Testament earthly priests. Mostly being antagonistic to Christ and Christians. The other Priest is listed most in God’s letter to the Hebrews. A heavenly Priest, Christ Jesus.
Read Hebrews. God explains why an earthly priesthood couldn’t work and why Christ being our High Priest in heaven does.
There is no inspired scriptural bases for a Christian earthly church as practiced by your religion. More importantly, there is no need.
My God the Father lead us all to His truth, BVB