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11 Reasons the Authority of Christianity Is Centered on St. Peter and Rome
stpeterslist ^ | December 19, 2012

Posted on 01/06/2013 3:56:49 PM PST by NYer

Bl. John Henry Newman said it best: “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.” History paints an overwhelming picture of St. Peter’s apostolic ministry in Rome and this is confirmed by a multitude of different sources within the Early Church. Catholic Encyclopedia states, “In opposition to this distinct and unanimous testimony of early Christendom, some few Protestant historians have attempted in recent times to set aside the residence and death of Peter at Rome as legendary. These attempts have resulted in complete failure.” Protestantism as a whole seeks to divorce Christianity from history by rending Gospel message out of its historical context as captured by our Early Church Fathers. One such target of these heresies is to devalue St. Peter and to twist the authority of Rome into a historical mishap within Christianity. To wit, the belief has as its end the ultimate end of all Catholic and Protestant dialogue – who has authority in Christianity?

 

Why is it important to defend the tradition of St. Peter and Rome?
The importance of establishing St. Peter’s ministry in Rome may be boiled down to authority and more specifically the historic existence and continuance of the Office of Vicar held by St. Peter. To understand why St. Peter was important and what authority was given to him by Christ SPL has composed two lists – 10 Biblical Reasons Christ Founded the Papacy and 13 Reasons St. Peter Was the Prince of the Apostles.

The rest of the list is cited from the Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Peter and represents only a small fraction of the evidence set therein.

 

The Apostolic Primacy of St. Peter and Rome

It is an indisputably established historical fact that St. Peter laboured in Rome during the last portion of his life, and there ended his earthly course by martyrdom. As to the duration of his Apostolic activity in the Roman capital, the continuity or otherwise of his residence there, the details and success of his labours, and the chronology of his arrival and death, all these questions are uncertain, and can be solved only on hypotheses more or less well-founded. The essential fact is that Peter died at Rome: this constitutes the historical foundation of the claim of the Bishops of Rome to the Apostolic Primacy of Peter.

St. Peter’s residence and death in Rome are established beyond contention as historical facts by a series of distinct testimonies extending from the end of the first to the end of the second centuries, and issuing from several lands.

 

1. The Gospel of St. John

That the manner, and therefore the place of his death, must have been known in widely extended Christian circles at the end of the first century is clear from the remark introduced into the Gospel of St. John concerning Christ’s prophecy that Peter was bound to Him and would be led whither he would not — “And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God” (John 21:18-19, see above). Such a remark presupposes in the readers of the Fourth Gospel a knowledge of the death of Peter.

 

2. Salutations, from Babylon

St. Peter’s First Epistle was written almost undoubtedly from Rome, since the salutation at the end reads: “The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you: and so doth my son Mark” (5:13). Babylon must here be identified with the Roman capital; since Babylon on the Euphrates, which lay in ruins, or New Babylon (Seleucia) on the Tigris, or the Egyptian Babylon near Memphis, or Jerusalem cannot be meant, the reference must be to Rome, the only city which is called Babylon elsewhere in ancient Christian literature (Revelation 17:5; 18:10; “Oracula Sibyl.”, V, verses 143 and 159, ed. Geffcken, Leipzig, 1902, 111).

 

3. Gospel of St. Mark

From Bishop Papias of Hierapolis and Clement of Alexandria, who both appeal to the testimony of the old presbyters (i.e., the disciples of the Apostles), we learn that Mark wrote his Gospel in Rome at the request of the Roman Christians, who desired a written memorial of the doctrine preached to them by St. Peter and his disciples (Eusebius, Church History II.15, 3.40, 6.14); this is confirmed by Irenaeus (Against Heresies 3.1). In connection with this information concerning the Gospel of St. Mark, Eusebius, relying perhaps on an earlier source, says that Peter described Rome figuratively as Babylon in his First Epistle.

 

4. Testimony of Pope St. Clement I

Another testimony concerning the martyrdom of Peter and Paul is supplied by Clement of Rome in his Epistle to the Corinthians (written about A.D. 95-97), wherein he says (chapter 5):

“Through zeal and cunning the greatest and most righteous supports [of the Church] have suffered persecution and been warred to death. Let us place before our eyes the good Apostles — St. Peter, who in consequence of unjust zeal, suffered not one or two, but numerous miseries, and, having thus given testimony (martyresas), has entered the merited place of glory”.

He then mentions Paul and a number of elect, who were assembled with the others and suffered martyrdom “among us” (en hemin, i.e., among the Romans, the meaning that the expression also bears in chapter 4). He is speaking undoubtedly, as the whole passage proves, of the Neronian persecution, and thus refers the martyrdom of Peter and Paul to that epoch.

 

5. Testimony of St. Ignatius of Antioch

In his letter written at the beginning of the second century (before 117), while being brought to Rome for martyrdom, the venerable Bishop Ignatius of Antioch endeavours by every means to restrain the Roman Christians from striving for his pardon, remarking: “I issue you no commands, like Peter and Paul: they were Apostles, while I am but a captive” (Epistle to the Romans 4). The meaning of this remark must be that the two Apostles laboured personally in Rome, and with Apostolic authority preached the Gospel there.

 

6. Taught in the Same Place in Italy

Bishop Dionysius of Corinth, in his letter to the Roman Church in the time of Pope Soter (165-74), says:

“You have therefore by your urgent exhortation bound close together the sowing of Peter and Paul at Rome and Corinth. For both planted the seed of the Gospel also in Corinth, and together instructed us, just as they likewise taught in the same place in Italy and at the same time suffered martyrdom” (in Eusebius, Church History II.25).

 

 

7. Rome: Founded by Sts. Peter and Paul

Irenaeus of Lyons, a native of Asia Minor and a disciple of Polycarp of Smyrna (a disciple of St. John), passed a considerable time in Rome shortly after the middle of the second century, and then proceeded to Lyons, where he became bishop in 177; he described the Roman Church as the most prominent and chief preserver of the Apostolic tradition, as “the greatest and most ancient church, known by all, founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious Apostles, Peter and Paul” (Against Heresies 3.3; cf. 3.1). He thus makes use of the universally known and recognized fact of the Apostolic activity of Peter and Paul in Rome, to find therein a proof from tradition against the heretics.

 

8. St. Peter Announced the Word of God in Rome

In his “Hypotyposes” (Eusebius, Church History IV.14), Clement of Alexandria, teacher in the catechetical school of that city from about 190, says on the strength of the tradition of the presbyters: “After Peter had announced the Word of God in Rome and preached the Gospel in the spirit of God, the multitude of hearers requested Mark, who had long accompanied Peter on all his journeys, to write down what the Apostles had preached to them” (see above).

 

9. Rome: Where Authority is Ever Within Reach

Like Irenaeus, Tertullian appeals, in his writings against heretics, to the proof afforded by the Apostolic labours of Peter and Paul in Rome of the truth of ecclesiastical tradition. In De Præscriptione 36, he says:

“If thou art near Italy, thou hast Rome where authority is ever within reach. How fortunate is this Church for which the Apostles have poured out their whole teaching with their blood, where Peter has emulated the Passion of the Lord, where Paul was crowned with the death of John.”

In Scorpiace 15, he also speaks of Peter’s crucifixion. “The budding faith Nero first made bloody in Rome. There Peter was girded by another, since he was bound to the cross”. As an illustration that it was immaterial with what water baptism is administered, he states in his book (On Baptism 5) that there is “no difference between that with which John baptized in the Jordan and that with which Peter baptized in the Tiber”; and against Marcion he appeals to the testimony of the Roman Christians, “to whom Peter and Paul have bequeathed the Gospel sealed with their blood” (Against Marcion 4.5).

 

10. Come to the Vatican and See for Yourself

The Roman, Caius, who lived in Rome in the time of Pope Zephyrinus (198-217), wrote in his “Dialogue with Proclus” (in Eusebius, Church History II.25) directed against the Montanists: “But I can show the trophies of the Apostles. If you care to go to the Vatican or to the road to Ostia, thou shalt find the trophies of those who have founded this Church”.

By the trophies (tropaia) Eusebius understands the graves of the Apostles, but his view is opposed by modern investigators who believe that the place of execution is meant. For our purpose it is immaterial which opinion is correct, as the testimony retains its full value in either case. At any rate the place of execution and burial of both were close together; St. Peter, who was executed on the Vatican, received also his burial there. Eusebius also refers to “the inscription of the names of Peter and Paul, which have been preserved to the present day on the burial-places there” (i.e. at Rome).

 

11. Ancient Epigraphic Memorial

There thus existed in Rome an ancient epigraphic memorial commemorating the death of the Apostles. The obscure notice in the Muratorian Fragment (“Lucas optime theofile conprindit quia sub praesentia eius singula gerebantur sicuti et semote passionem petri evidenter declarat”, ed. Preuschen, Tübingen, 1910, p. 29) also presupposes an ancient definite tradition concerning Peter’s death in Rome.

The apocryphal Acts of St. Peter and the Acts of Sts. Peter and Paul likewise belong to the series of testimonies of the death of the two Apostles in Rome.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; History
KEYWORDS: churchhistory
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To: metmom
It's not inane. It's very relevant. Too bad. They're your guys. You own them. ,p> they're only relevant once....if you duplicate your post, you are wasteing time, the Catholic church...and the world for that matter has had 266 Popes in her history, and in all that time, with all those men, none has ever erred in a matter of faith and morals, not a bad record I'd say.
2,141 posted on 01/18/2013 8:38:20 PM PST by terycarl
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To: metmom
"But if you want to go there, can you say *annulment* aka Catholic church sanctioned divorce?"

Where did you study Canon Law?

2,142 posted on 01/18/2013 8:39:28 PM PST by Natural Law (Jesus did not leave us a Bible, He left us a Church.)
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To: CynicalBear

I noticed that too.


2,143 posted on 01/18/2013 8:39:35 PM PST by Syncro ("So?" - -Andrew Breitbart --The King of All Media RIP Feb 1, 1969 – Mar 1, 2012)
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To: metmom
In their dreams......

I have no idea of what that means

2,144 posted on 01/18/2013 8:41:28 PM PST by terycarl
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To: Natural Law
>>The difference is that I accept Sacred Tradition.<<

When it’s contrary to what scripture teaches there is no “Sacred Tradition”. It’s incorporating pagan rituals, practices, and symbols. The RCC calling them "Christianized" notwithstanding.

2,145 posted on 01/18/2013 8:41:45 PM PST by CynicalBear
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To: Syncro
"You can NOT be born again from baptism unless other factors are present."

Please don't presume to tell me what I do and do not understand. As I pointed out in my posting Catholics are born "from above" and experience regeneration and conversion.

Peace be with you

2,146 posted on 01/18/2013 8:45:06 PM PST by Natural Law (Jesus did not leave us a Bible, He left us a Church.)
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To: terycarl; metmom
>>none has ever erred in a matter of faith and morals<<

Who told you that?

2,147 posted on 01/18/2013 8:45:26 PM PST by CynicalBear
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To: terycarl

It means that Catholics only wish it was the *true* denomination or *true* church.

the Biblical church is the body of Christ, comprised of all true believers in Him, no matter what local assembly or denomination they choose to affiliate with or attend for worship.

The church by Scriptural definition is an organism, not an organization.


2,148 posted on 01/18/2013 8:47:48 PM PST by metmom (For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore & do not submit again to a yoke of slavery)
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To: CynicalBear
"When it’s contrary to what scripture teaches there is no “Sacred Tradition”."

Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition cannot contradict one another. When you perceive that they do it is your interpretation or perception of one or both that is in error.

Peace be with you

2,149 posted on 01/18/2013 8:47:57 PM PST by Natural Law (Jesus did not leave us a Bible, He left us a Church.)
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To: terycarl; Natural Law

Honest question: If the pope must confess to a jesuit (the black pope) who does the black pope confess to?


2,150 posted on 01/18/2013 8:48:39 PM PST by SteelTrap
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To: CynicalBear
"Who told you that?"

Jesus

2,151 posted on 01/18/2013 8:49:21 PM PST by Natural Law (Jesus did not leave us a Bible, He left us a Church.)
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To: Syncro
how many times are you going to repost that inane "Catholic church brought you the Bible and is the only true church AND that God chose the Catholic church to carry His message to the world???"

Yeah, but that is both true AND meaningful

2,152 posted on 01/18/2013 8:49:43 PM PST by terycarl
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To: CynicalBear

Well, it’s certainly tradition and in the RCC mind it may be sacred, but it is not by any means true because it’s contradicted by the clear teaching of Scripture.

So the appeal to *Sacred Tradition* may make people feel all warm and fuzzy, but is nothing of substance.


2,153 posted on 01/18/2013 8:50:48 PM PST by metmom (For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore & do not submit again to a yoke of slavery)
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To: Natural Law
>>Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition cannot contradict one another.<<

Now that there is funny I don’t care who ya are.

2,154 posted on 01/18/2013 8:52:46 PM PST by CynicalBear
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To: SteelTrap
"If the pope must confess to a jesuit (the black pope) who does the black pope confess to?"

Any ordained priest can hear a confession.

2,155 posted on 01/18/2013 8:53:00 PM PST by Natural Law (Jesus did not leave us a Bible, He left us a Church.)
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To: metmom
Oh, Elsie, about that *inane* list of bad popes. Perhaps we need to add all those priests their church has been having trouble with as well.

don't go there because the number of "troublesome" Protestant ministers, school teachers, scout leaders et al...greatly outnumber the number of Catholic clergy...not even close, all catagories....

2,156 posted on 01/18/2013 8:55:01 PM PST by terycarl
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To: terycarl; Elsie
266 Popes in her history, and in all that time, with all those men, none has ever erred in a matter of faith and morals

It's moral to have sex outside of marriage if you are a pope?

It's moral to love to hear the screams of pain from Christians being tortured?

It's moral for a pope to have sex with another man's wife and murder people?

It's moral to get a nun preganent and have her get an abortion if you are a pope?

It's ok for a pope to assure Catholics that it is ok to pray to Mary? And even do it as an example?

It's ok for a pope to tell Catholics that Mary can bring them salvation? And that salvation is of Mary?

I'm sure there is a trick definition of "faith and moral" that makes all of that OK.

2,157 posted on 01/18/2013 8:55:36 PM PST by Syncro ("So?" - -Andrew Breitbart --The King of All Media RIP Feb 1, 1969 – Mar 1, 2012)
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To: CynicalBear

Jesus told you that none of the Popes ever erred in a matter of faith and morals? Seriously? I suppose you have the gold leafed plates to prove that or something?


2,158 posted on 01/18/2013 8:56:22 PM PST by CynicalBear
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To: metmom
Oh, Elsie, about that *inane* list of bad popes. Perhaps we need to add all those priests their church has been having trouble with as well.

don't go there because the number of "troublesome" Protestant ministers, school teachers, scout leaders et al...greatly outnumber the number of Catholic clergy...not even close, all catagories....

2,159 posted on 01/18/2013 8:56:59 PM PST by terycarl
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To: terycarl; Syncro
Yeah, but that is both true AND meaningful

It is not true and it is meaningless.

The messenger is irrelevant. It's the message that counts. Salvation by grace through faith in Christ.

Ephesians 2:4-10 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Acts 16:29-31 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 10:9-13 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

2,160 posted on 01/18/2013 8:57:20 PM PST by metmom (For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore & do not submit again to a yoke of slavery)
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