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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
She DID; eh???
The official prayer to Our Lady of Laus goes:
Queen of Laus, kind and loving Mother, hear our pious pleas. Your son always hears your prayers, and you always hear your children. O pure Virgin, ceaselessly watch over our hearts from heaven. Let no dirt tarnish the heavenly whiteness. Be our support in virtue, all-powerful Virgin, and guide our feeble steps. If we fall, Compassionate Mother, kindly embrace us in your arms. Give us shelter under your wings when the storms burst with fury, spare us from cruel agony, and may the sinner repent with true remorse. Leave us not at our last hour, but let us sleep in peace at your maternal breast. And once awakening, drawing back the veil, we will see you in the splendor of heaven. Our Lady of Laus, Refuge of sinners, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Laus
And what's the word on the street about those who dig up dead people and chop their fingers off?
Which; it if aligns with what the 'church' teaches, can be of some small use in a minor skirmish.
no one is denying that one MUST have faith to be saved by the freely given grace of salvation, however, it is not faith ALONE.
Sigh....
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
1 John 3:21-24 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. John 6:28-29
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
Those other guys sure got fooled then!
Huh?
What kind of a challenge is THIS?
In fact if these are the times we think they are then we are in for quite the mother of all skirmishes.Near the end the sky should be blotted out with mountains on their way to the sea and herds of swine washed up on beaches all over the place.Get your armor on 'cause there's gonna be slashing and hacking and laying waste! Sounds awesome but I won't discount the possibility that I might still find myself at some stage hiding under the bed in a cold sweat.What's headed the world's way is no small thing.
Thank God He IS able!
However He DID say "...Be not afraid, only believe." (Mark 5:36)
“”She DID; eh???””
Yes , she did say that
Here is what was said by The Blessed Mother...
Mary asked Benedicta to admonish women and girls about living lives of scandal, especially those who commit abortion
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican_recognizes_marian_apparitions_in_france/
“”The official prayer to Our Lady of Laus goes...””
There is more to the approved apparition than only the prayer’s
Thanks for posting the beautiful prayer though. The Holy Spirit used you to post this so others can use it.
I just recited the prayer this morning and will send it to others. Thanks again!
possibly they didn't read this:
1 Pet. 3:20-21: " It (Baptism )saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" and Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved.
Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Luke 13:3 [U]nless you repent you will all likewise perish.
John 6:54 [H]e who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Matt 25:31-46 34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
There is no "alone" except saved by Grace Alone. Christ Himself teaches -- repent, believe, be baptised, love and help your neighbor and endure to the end
If anyone got fooled into it being just faith ALONE, then they should take it up with Jesus Christ
You are back on Golgotha 2000 yrs ago standing at the foot of the very cross that holds Jesus,the saviour of the world,the King of the universe,the ONE who willingly laid down His life for you.As you look into His eyes you're distracted by jostling next to you and turn to see a man come close to Jesus' mother.You hear him speak to her..."...kind and loving Mother, hear our pious pleas. Your son always hears your prayers, and you always hear your children. O pure Virgin, ceaselessly watch over our hearts....Be our support in virtue, all-powerful Virgin, and guide our feeble steps. If we fall, Compassionate Mother, kindly embrace us in your arms.... spare us from cruel agony.... Leave us not at our last hour.... Our Lady.... Refuge of sinners, pray for us who have recourse to thee." After hearing that you turn your eyes back to Jesus' gaze.Now try and imagine what His look might convey.You might even turn to look into Mary's eyes and wonder what they might say.
I'll have a totally my own opinion,totally my own interpretation,totally my own blind uneducated spent way too much time in the trees aspiring to the dizzying heights of a slack jawed yokel stab in the dark guess at what Mary might say to all of that...ahem..."He is here,speak to Him"
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
He has given his biblical reasons for doing so.
Is this correct, cyc?
With the combination of Christian and Pagan practices the Catholic Church has been very successful in deluding the masses. With their propensity to follow and believe the “apparitions”, visions, and prophecies of questionable origin it’s not difficult to envision the ease to which the anti Christ will rise to power. Scripture clearly shows that the Anti Christ will do “signs and wonders” and “appears and an angel of light”.
It’s amazing to me that even the Catholic Church itself gives clear signs of it’s place in prophecy.
quotes "Corresponding to what? What Adam lost for mankind, perfect life. Hence Christ is also called “the last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45) The first Adam was not part God, part human or God in human form nor was the last Adam, Christ."
at least he has the honesty to admit his beliefs -- why don't you?
quotes "So is Jesus a created being? Yes, as Rev. 3:14 says, ‘the beginning of creation’. "
at least he has the honesty to admit his beliefs -- why don't you?
"Hey there my loved disciple!"
"Yes; Jesus?"
Pay attention to what Mom Woman tells you; as she will be the one to go through 'til I come back.
"Ok; Lord."
"She will remain sinless in your house."
That’s rather presumptuous for someone who has yet to answer my simple question.
Begone: you annoy me.
I certainly don't want to be flippant about that place and that hour.The cross is in a sense the axle the universe turns on.It's a very big,very sobering thing.He is with us,even till the end of the age.He is so much more than simply "of age",speak to Him.
Interesting that Catholics believe that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross only “opened the door” as it were to salvation or “makes it possible”. Evidently the rest is up to man’s will to “accept or reject” that salvation. That would say that man is ultimately responsible for his own salvation. How one can justify that with scripture is beyond me. Of course as we are told often, Catholics don’t have to rely on scripture for what they consider truth nor does it have to agree with scripture.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.