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Peter: & The Formation of the Papacy
by Pat Miron
Fundamental to both explaining and defending our Roman Catholic Faith lies the challenge before us to explain the formation of the papacy originating with Jesus Christ himself.
As a God-made pragmatic I find it difficult from several views, understanding why the papacy is such a hot issue. Yes I know if one can disprove it; then it becomes much easier to persuade others that the RCC is NOT the “one true church of Jesus Christ,” which we Catholics insist it is and which seems to be biblically provable. But, there seems to be other reasons, considerations and factors that I simply fail to fully grasp.
From the initial Commission of Peter as the secular head of “the New Way” Heb.10:20 “by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,” ….”The Way” was the first name for the fulfillment and competition of the Old Testament, which are to find fullness in the new teachings; the new religion founded by Jesus. Matt.3: 3 “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare “the way” of the Lord, make his paths straight." …
The idea, and concept of One Man leadership, responsible directly to God; for God’s “Chosen People” is solidly established in and throughout Jewish History. From Noah, to Abraham, Moses, The Judges, kings David and Solomon, and the Great Prophets; there are numerous examples that effectively mirror the responsibilities, at least in general terms; that are essential to the current Papacy. So why the papacy is suspect seems to have another agenda and purpose of its own.
The fact that the terms “pope” or “papacy” do not appear in the bible is easily and prudently explained by logical formation that this was to come later in church history. One does not find the terms “Trinity, Catholics, dogma or doctrine, Protestant, Eucharist, or the sacraments” either and many other yet to be developed descriptive terms; [often theological application in origin] added as the Church grew in size, stature, form and influence.
Re: When was the term Pope first used?
“According to the original Catholic Encyclopedia on line, the title “pope” has enjoyed continued use in the East to signify priests. In the West, it seems to have designated only bishops. In the fourth century it came to be restricted to the Roman Pontiff.” This makes sense as Constantine permitted the church to freely practice its faith.
Fr. Vincent Serpa … Catholic Answers Apologist
A complete list of Popes; by name and dates of service can be found at:
http://oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=List_of_Popes
It is HIGHLY significant that most Popes elected to follow Peter; up to the period of Constantine in the early forth century; knew in advance that they too would very likely be martyred for the Catholic Faith; and still they served.
THE COMMISSION
Mt. 16:18-19 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock [on you Peter] I will build my church, [notably singular] and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [And so it continues even today; some 2, 000 years later] I will give you [also singular] the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
The significance and importance of these few words cannot be more clear, more important or more critical to understanding God’s own plan and scheme for our salvation. Jesus was well aware that he would soon suffer and die. Further He knew that He had to set up [A] “The Way” for His teachings to continue after His demise. This would logically require a leader be appointed to head this Mission. Peter was the choice of our Lord for this monumental task. John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you”
Mark.12:14 “And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God.” … John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” … Acts 16:17 “She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." … Acts 24:14 “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law or written in the prophets,”
When Jesus spoke the precise words that Commissioned Peter to the Role of Leadership of “The Way,” He also necessarily imparted both the Powers and Authority needed to complete the task just assigned. [Mt. 28:19-20 ..] “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." …[John 20:19-22]
The terms “to loose” and “to bind” were commonly understood by Christ and all of those who heard the proclamation, as passing on and presenting to Peter the unlimited and unrestricted governance of “The Way”; the One-new religion, with its to be obeyed, common set of faith-beliefs, and the single church of Christ, which was to be developed and managed through Peters Leadership. These terms were so common as to be enforceable by Jewish Law at the time. Because many kingdoms were walled in and did have physical gates, and keyed access, [as did Jerusalem itself] it was common practice to appoint a person chosen by the King of the kingdom to actually have possession of the keys to the gates, and handle all of the day-to-day running of the kingdom; this person was answerable to ONLY the king himself. Everyone knew that this was the precise intent of our Lord in regard to Peters Commission. It was accepted fact and no debate ensued, because of the clarity of what was done. This person had unlimited and unrestricted powers to make or change laws; to impose obligations and impose penalties for compliance failures, and was gravely-morally empowered and commanded to teach all of the rules and ways of the kingdom.
Jer.3: 15 "And I will give you shepherds [plural] after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
AFTER THE COMMISSION JESUS ISSUED A NUMBER OF COMMANDS TO PETER
Mt. 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."… This command to teach the entire world clearly demands a structure of leadership after Christ death.
Peter alone among the apostles is exhorted by Jesus to "strengthen your brethren
Luke 22:32 “but I [Jesus] have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren."
Mark.6: 34 “As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”
1Pet.2: 25 “For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
John 21:10 -16 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught."
So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.”
So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.”
John 3:5 “Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Luke 22: 19-21 “And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.
John 20:21-23 “Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
John 10:16 “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd”
These and other commands by Christ to Peter and the Apostles made clear, what the task was that laid ahead of them. . Mt. 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." And all of this followed after they had already been empowered to do much in the name of Jesus. Without a structure and leadership this could be completed.
Please take note of the FACT that Peter is herein singled out and already identified as “The First.” This is highly significant because exegetes [bible experts] claim that Matthews Gospel was the first written. This explains why the issue of Peters Primacy is not an issue in later Gospels. IT WAS ACCEPTED FACT and undisputed. Because the bibles NT authors had no idea of “the bible” and it’s long-life and historic future life, there was no need for further amplification.
Matt.10: 1-19
And he [Jesus] called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zeb'edee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans,
but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. As you enter the house, salute it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour”
but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. As you enter the house, salute it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour”
EVIDENCE THAT THIS WAS BOTH UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED
I have a list of fifty bible first for Peter that firmly and clearly establish his leadership. Please contact me if you’d like to receive a copy of it. In order to shorten this document I will only list a few of these singular accomplishments.
Peter alone among the apostles receives a new name, “Rock“, solemnly conferred (Jn 1:42; Mt 16:18). And personally given the “keys to the kingdom of heaven” by Jesus.
Likewise, Peter is regarded by Jesus as the Chief Shepherd after Himself (Jn 21:15-17), singularly by name, and over the universal Church, even though others have a similar but subordinate role (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2).
John 1:42 “He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" [which means Peter; which translates in Aramaic as “ROCK.”] John 21:15-17 “Feed my sheep, feed my lambs, feed my sheep”
Acts 20:28 “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.” 1 Pet. 5:2 “chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”
Peter alone among the apostles is mentioned by name as having been prayed for by Jesus Christ in order that his "faith may not fail" (Lk 22:32).
Peter alone is told that he has received divine knowledge by a special revelation (Mt 16:17). “And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
Peter is regarded by the Jews (Acts 4:1-13) as the leader and spokesman of Christianity. Acts 4:8-12 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Peter is specified by an angel as the leader and representative of the apostles (Mk 16:7). “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you."
Peter's words are the first recorded and most important in the upper room before Pentecost (Acts 1:15-22).
Peter takes the lead in calling for a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:15-17, 20*21, 23). “In those days Peter stood up among the brethren (the company of persons was in all about a hundred and twenty), and said, "Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us, and was allotted his share in this ministry. For it is written in the book of Psalms, `Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it'; and `His office let another take.'
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsab'bas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthi'as.”
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsab'bas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthi'as.”
Peter works the first miracle of the Church Age, healing a lame man (Acts 3:6-12).
Peter utters the first anathema (Ananias and Sapphira) emphatically affirmed by God (Acts 5:2-11)!
Peter is the first person after Christ to raise the dead (Acts 9:40).
Cornelius is told by an angel to seek out Peter for instruction in Christianity (Acts 10:1-6).
Peter is the first to receive the Gentiles, after a revelation from God (Acts 10:9-48).
Peter instructs the other apostles on the catholicity (universality) of the Church (Acts 11:5-17).
Peter presides over and opens the first Council of Christianity, and lays down principles afterwards accepted by it (Acts 15:7-11).
Peter is the first to recognize and refute heresy, in Simon Magus (Acts 8:14-24).
Peter is the first to preach Christian repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38).
Peter corrects those who misuse Paul's writings (2 Pet 3:15-16).
Peter wrote his first epistle from Rome, according to most scholars, as its bishop, and as the universal bishop (or, pope) of the early Church. "Babylon" (1 Pet 5:13) is regarded as code for Rome.
In conclusion, it strains credulity to think that God would present St. Peter with such prominence in the Bible, without some meaning and import for later Christian history; in particular, Church government. The papacy is the most plausible (we believe actual) fulfillment of this
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