Why is Peter considered the first "Pope", if it was James who Peter and Paul answered to?

[stephraim]

Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus in Syria (450)
A native of Antioch, Theodoret ruled under the Antiochean Patriarch.

I therefore beseech your holiness to persuade the most holy and blessed bishop (Pope Leo) to use his Apostolic power, and to order me to hasten to your Council. For that most holy throne (Rome) has the sovereignty over the churches throughout the universe on many grounds. (Theodoret, Tom. iv. Epist. cxvi. Renato, p. 1197).

If Paul, the herald of the truth, the trumpet of the Holy Spirit, hastened to the great Peter, to convey from him the solution to those in Antioch, who were at issue about living under the law, how much more do we, poor and humble, run to the Apostolic Throne (Rome) to receive from you (Pope Leo) healing for wounds of the the Churches. For it pertains to you to have primacy in all things; for your throne is adorned with many prerogatives. (Theodoret Ibid, Epistle Leoni)

St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople (c. 387)

And why, then, passing by the others, does He converse with Peter on these things? (John 21:15). He was the chosen one of the Apostles, and the mouth of the disciples, and the leader of the choir. On this account, Paul also went up on a time to see him rather than the others (Galatians 1:18). And withal, to show him that he must thenceforward have confidence, as the denial was done away with, He puts into his hands the presidency over the brethren. And He brings not forward the denial, nor reproches him with what had past, but says, 'If you love me, preside over the brethren …and the third time He gives him the same injunction, showing what a price He sets the presidency over His own sheep. And if one should say, ‘How then did James receive the throne of Jerusalem?,’ this I would answer that He appointed this man (Peter) teacher, not of that throne, but of the whole world. (Chrysostom, In Joan. Hom. 1xxxviii. n. 1, tom. viii)

Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople (466-516)

Macedonius declared, when desired by the Emperor Anastasius to condemn the Council of Chalcedon, that ‘such a step without an Ecumenical Synod presided over by the Pope of Rome is impossible.’ (Macedonius, Patr. Graec. 108: 360a (Theophan. Chronogr. pp. 234-346 seq.)

Basil the Great (ca. 330 - January 1, 379),

“When we hear the name of Peter, that name does not cause our minds to dwell on his substance, but we figure to our minds the properties that are connected with him. For we at once, on hearing that name, think of the son of him that came Bethsaida, Andrew’s brother; him that was called from amongst fishermen unto the ministry of the Apostleship; him who on account of the pre-eminence of his faith received upon himself the building of the Church.” (Adv. Eunom. 4)

"One of these mountains was Peter, upon which rock the Lord promised to build His Church (Comm. in Esai 2,66)

“It seemed to me to be desirable to send a letter to the bishop of Rome, begging him to examine our condition, and since there are difficulties in the way of representatives being sent from the West by a general synodial decree, to advise him (the bishop of Rome) to exercise his personal authority in the matter, choosing suitable persons to sustain the labours of a journey, - suitable, too, by gentleness and firmness of character, to correct the unruly among us here.” (Letter 69 to Anathasius, NPNF2 8:165)

 

[Randy_Carson]

St John Chrysosotom
For the Son of thunder, the beloved of Christ, the pillar of the Churches throughout the world, who holds the keys of heaven, who drank the cup of Christ, and was baptized with His baptism, who lay upon his Master’s bosom, with much confidence, this man now comes forward to us now
Jesus is restoring St Peter to his Apostleship by a triple confirmation following St Peter’s triple denial.

I addressed this “reinstatement theory” previously.

Please read the thread in its entirety.

Thanks.

 

[Randy_Carson]

Silly wabbit. The Orthodox are not forced into a pigeon hole. LOL. We have the same view of the early Church Fathers. The early Church Fathers did not see the pope of Rome as a supreme pontiff with a charism of infallibility (innovated in 1870).

Having hived off from the Church founded by Jesus Christ, you are forced to explain why you have separated yourself from the Head of the Church, the successor of Peter.

In the complete absence of any real authority, the Orthodox have been unable to call a council in what? 1200 years?

Thanks for sending representatives to our ecumenical councils, but honestly…how much credence can we put into these arguments?

 

[paul_c]

Exactly, if there was such a thing as a singular bishop and given that Jerusalem was the headquarters of the universal church on earth.

I think though that Peter was one of three “pillars” in Jerusalem, a bishop along with James and John. Peter refers to himself as as fellow-presbyter, and this probably refers to his office in Jerusalem along with James and John. The Ephesian presbyters are called bishops and shepherds (pastors) in Acts 20:17,28, and in Philippians 1:1 there are only bishops and deacons. Contrary to Catholic teaching, there are only two levels of ministry (bishop/presbyters and deacons) in the New Testament, after the apostles.

Jerusalem ceased to be the headquarters of the universal church when Peter left and by the way, it was destroyed in 70AD.

As I mentioned earlier, in Peter’s epistle, he calls himself a fellow-presbyter as an example because the point he is making is that the presbyters should be the servants of those under them and should not lord their position over them.

In the Catholic Hierarchy, Bishops are the successors to the Apostles. They have a rank above that of the priest/presbyters and the deacons.

 

[Mickey]

I addressed this “reinstatement theory” previously.

Please read the thread in its entirety.

Thanks.

I have read your opinions.

Tending to the flock is also mentioned in Acts 20:28 and 1Pet 5:2–and it is not exclusive to St Peter.

St Peter denied him three times. The triple affirmation is a response to his denials–for St Peter’s healing (notice how he is upset by the third time).

Thanks.

 

[YADA]

All of the Apostles and hence all the bishops (their successors) were given authority. Are you saying that the other Apostles can open and close nothing?

All of the Apostles were given the power to bind and loose [forgive sins] …they were all given the command to spread the Gospel to all nations, but only Peter was given the ‘keys’ to the Kingdom - only Peter’s name was changed [and it is always a significant and special charge when God changes names - Abram to Abraham, etc]

 

[Mickey]

Having hived off

Hived off? LOL. You are very colorful.

you are forced to explain why you have separated yourself

I believe that you are in schism. One separated from the other four.

In the complete absence of any real authority, the Orthodox have been unable to call a council in what? 1200 years?

There are only seven Ecumenical councils silly wabbit. Rome has not called any others. We have our “real authority” in Christ Jesus. Our shepherds are our bishops. We have called many synods.

Ad hominems against Holy Orthodoxy do not help your misguided arguments.

Please do not be so angry.

 

[YADA]

Jerusalem ceased to be the headquarters of the universal church when Peter left and by the way, it was destroyed in 70AD.

As I mentioned earlier, in Peter’s epistle, he calls himself a fellow-presbyter as an example because the point he is making is that the presbyters should be the servants of those under them and should not lord their position over them.

In the Catholic Hierarchy, Bishops are the successors to the Apostles. They have a rank above that of the priest/presbyters and the deacons.

Good point … it was Rome that was the 'center of the world" [the “known” world at that time … ] … It is not an accident that Rome was seen as the epeicenter of the world wide commision …

I have always found it interesting to comtemplate the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem [sacked by Rome in 70 AD] West to Africa, East to India and beyond, North to Europe … the Christian world

Then God throws the monkey wrench into the frey … the Western Hemisphere and a host of peoples, cultures, languages … all not yet evangelized … hundreds of years after the 'four corners of the earth, all nations and peoples" were thought to have been reached … What a belly laugh Heaven must have enjoyed

 

[Mickey]

All of the Apostles were given the power to bind and loose [forgive sins] …they were all given the command to spread the Gospel to all nations, but only Peter was given the ‘keys’ to the Kingdom - only Peter’s name was changed [and it is always a significant and special charge when God changes names - Abram to Abraham, etc]

It is virtually the same language about binding and loosing in Matthew 18:18. Binding and loosing is inseparable from the keys. Do you really believe that Christ is saying that the other Apostles have no access? Surely you do not think this. Let us look to Sacred Scripture again:

Then Peter answering, said to him: Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? And Jesus said to them: Amen, I say to you, that you, who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matt 19:27-28

 

[YADA]

It is virtually the same language about binding and loosing in Matthew 18:18. Binding and loosing is inseparable from the keys. Do you really believe that Christ is saying that the other Apostles have no access? Surely you do not think this. Let us look to Sacred Scripture again:

Then Peter answering, said to him: Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? And Jesus said to them: Amen, I say to you, that you, who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matt 19:27-28

It is nearly the same language but it is not … nor are their names changed … why is that if all were seen as exactly the same … why not change all their names …

It is always significant to have God change ones name … that person is always given some 'charge, mission, authority" that no other carries …

It is just not true that Peter did not have a role different then the other apostles … What I fear is that you perceive that differece to be greater then it really is - as if the succcessor of Peter has been deified - made God or Godlike - that is just not the case … Even the “Infallability” you percieve as such an invention is so rarely exercised …

Peter is the visible head of the Church - commissioned to strengthen his brothers - the others apostles were not give that specific charge [though I woulld thnink that they would strengthen each other as we all should - Peter is given that specific charge …

To stay resolute in the face of Satan’s special attack - knowing Jesus is praying especially for him and his faith - that Peter my in turn strenthen his fellow apostles … Jesus could just as easily state his intention to pray for all of his apostles [I am sure he did and continues to do for their successors - watching over them] but he prays differently for Peter … Why? The scriptures give a fuller picture when you step back and look at them from farther back …

Being the head of the CHruch is not a picnic - God will hold Peter and his succcessors to account for how they fullfill their responsibility to lead the Church, spread the Gospel and strengthen their brethren …

 

[Mickey]

It is always significant to have God change ones name … that person is always given some 'charge, mission, authority" that no other carries .

Saul was changed to Paul. John and James are the sons of thunder. As one poster said: Simon’s name may have been changed to signify his confession of faith.

What I fear is that you perceive that differece to be greater then it really is

No I believe it is you who perceive this difference.

To stay resolute in the face of Satan’s special attack - knowing Jesus is praying especially for him and his faith

And we are grateful for that–because St Peter was about to deny Him three times.

that Peter my in turn strenthen his fellow apostles

Amen. St Peter’s example of tearful repentance served as an example to all the Apostles. Judas on the other hand fell into despair and hanged himself.

The scriptures give a fuller picture when you step back and look at them from farther back .

I am sorry. But I do not see a picture being painted where St Peter’s successors become supreme infallible bishops over 1000 years after the fact. It is not Scriptural and it is not patristic.

Being the head of the CHruch is not a picnic

Christ is the Head of the Church in heaven and on earth.

 

[twb1621]

Let us look at this quote again by St John Chrysostom:

There was no arrogance in the Church. After Peter, Paul speaks, and none silences him: James waits patiently; not starts up (for the next word). No word speaks John here, no word the other Apostles, but held their peace, for James was invested with the chief rule, and think it no hardship. So clean was their soul from love of glory. Peter indeed spoke more strongly, but James here more mildly: for thus it behooves one in high authority, to leave what is unpleasant for others to say, while he himself appears in the milder part.
**St John Chrysostom,**Homily XXXIII on Acts xv.

I agree he was most certainly highly respected and known for his calm demeanor and this reference you presented attests to the fact that he was the highest and immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, so appointed by Peter, James and John for these very reasons. But it has always been recognized that because of the distance between the dominion regions belonging to each Bishop in both east and west, each had a great deal of authority individually for his own area. However, when an issue arose that pinned bishop against bishop or a “just” decision had to be made in regard to any accusations against those in authority, the matter was always taken to the seat of Peter in Rome where the final decision was made. That is evident throughout the Church’s early History.

“When in the year 44 Peter escaped from prison, he desired that news of his release might be carried to James who held already a marked preeminence in the Church of Jerusalem (Acts 12:17). In the Council of Jerusalem (A.D. 51) he gives his sentence after St. Peter, declaring as Peter had done, that the Gentile Christians are not bound to circumcision, nor to the observance of the ceremonial Mosaic Law, but at the same time, he urged the advisability of conforming to certain ceremonies and of respecting certain of the scruples of their Jewish fellow-Christians” (Acts 15:13 sqq.).

It was Jesus Himself that proclaimed His church would be built upon Peter.

Jesus said,
“But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus answered, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mat. Ch 16. 15-19)
“…. Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” (Mat. Ch 24. 11-13)

“…Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" (Acts Ch 20. 28-35)

Luke CH 22 31 And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you (you meaning you all according to the latin text), that he may sift you (you meaning you all according to the latin text) as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee (thee speaking of Simon Peter personally), that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.

 

[YADA]

Saul was changed to Paul. John and James are the sons of thunder. As one poster said: Simon’s name may have been changed to signify his confession of faith.

jesus did not change Paul’s name … one is the hebrew form the other the latin - same name Jesus did not change it …

And we are grateful for that–because St Peter was about to deny Him three times. St Peter’s example of tearful repentance served as an example to all the Apostles. Judas on the other hand fell into despair and hanged himself.

Jesus prayed for him and told him to strenthen his brothers after he turned back … Jesus knew Peter was speaking rashly, Jesus knew that Peter would return …

I am sorry. But I do not see a picture being painted where St Peter’s successors become supreme infallible bishops over 1000 years after the fact. It is not Scriptural and it is not patristic.

Well, you can deny the quotation from Isaiah - profound coincidence and all that it does not mean that Jesus was not quoting Isaiah and that the Apoltles understood that

Christ is the Head of the Church in heaven and on earth.

Yes, Jesus is the head of the Church, militant and triumphant … what does that have to do with the person he gave authority to? The davidic King [Daveid, Soloman et all] was always the King … no matter who they appointed to be the Prime Minister nor how many times any individual King had to seek a replacemment …

Jesus is the Rock of Salvation, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Head of the Church … never said he was not … neither has any successor to Peter … nor does an earthly head take away anything from Him …

 

[Daniel_Keeran]

Jerusalem ceased to be the headquarters of the universal church when Peter left and by the way, it was destroyed in 70AD.

In the Catholic Hierarchy, Bishops are the successors to the Apostles. They have a rank above that of the priest/presbyters and the deacons.

You do not address why Cephas was not the singular bishop of Jerusalem before its destruction. The Catholic hierarchy today does not reflect the church of the New Testament time in which bishops and presbyters were the same.

 

[twb1621]

Post 1 of 3

Matt. to Rev. - Peter is mentioned 155 times and the rest of apostles combined are only mentioned 130 times. Peter is also always listed first except in 1 Cor. 3:22 and Gal. 2:9 (which are obvious exceptions to the rule).
Matt. 10:2; Mark 1:36; 3:16; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:3; 2:37; 5:29 - these are some of many examples where Peter is mentioned first among the apostles.
Matt. 14:28-29 - only Peter has the faith to walk on water. No other man in Scripture is said to have the faith to walk on water. This faith ultimately did not fail.
Matt. 16:16, Mark 8:29; John 6:69 - Peter is first among the apostles to confess the divinity of Christ.
Matt. 16:17 - Peter alone is told he has received divine knowledge by a special revelation from God the Father.
Matt. 16:18 - Jesus builds the Church only on Peter, the rock, with the other apostles as the foundation and Jesus as the Head.
Matt. 16:19 - only Peter receives the keys, which represent authority over the Church and facilitate dynastic succession to his authority.
Matt. 17:24-25 - the tax collector approaches Peter for Jesus’ tax. Peter is the spokesman for Jesus. He is the Vicar of Christ.
Matt. 17:26-27 - Jesus pays the half-shekel tax with one shekel, for both Jesus and Peter. Peter is Christ’s representative on earth.
Matt. 18:21 - in the presence of the disciples, Peter asks Jesus about the rule of forgiveness. One of many examples where Peter takes a leadership role among the apostles in understanding Jesus’ teachings.
Matt. 19:27 - Peter speaks on behalf of the apostles by telling Jesus that they have left everything to follow Him.
Mark 10:28 - here also, Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples by declaring that they have left everything to follow Him.
Mark 11:21 - Peter speaks on behalf of the disciples in remembering Jesus’ curse on the fig tree.
Mark 14:37 - at Gethsemane, Jesus asks Peter, and no one else, why he was asleep. Peter is accountable to Jesus for his actions on behalf of the apostles because he has been appointed by Jesus as their leader.
Mark 16:7 - Peter is specified by an angel as the leader of the apostles as the angel confirms the resurrection of Christ.
Luke 5:3 – Jesus teaches from Peter’s boat which is metaphor for the Church. Jesus guides Peter and the Church into all truth.
Luke 5:4,10 - Jesus instructs Peter to let down the nets for a catch, and the miraculous catch follows. Peter, the Pope, is the “fisher of men.”
Luke 7:40-50- Jesus addresses Peter regarding the rule of forgiveness and Peter answers on behalf of the disciples. Jesus also singles Peter out and judges his conduct vis-à-vis the conduct of the woman who anointed Him.
Luke 8:45 - when Jesus asked who touched His garment, it is Peter who answers on behalf of the disciples.
Luke 8:51; 9:28; 22:8; Acts 1:13; 3:1,3,11; 4:13,19; 8:14 - Peter is always mentioned before John, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
Luke 9:28;33 - Peter is mentioned first as going to mountain of transfiguration and the only one to speak at the transfiguration.
Luke 12:41 - Peter seeks clarification of a parable on behalf on the disciples. This is part of Peter’s formation as the chief shepherd of the flock after Jesus ascended into heaven.
Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus prays for Peter alone, that his faith may not fail, and charges him to strengthen the rest of the apostles.
Luke 24:12, John 20:4-6 - John arrived at the tomb first but stopped and waited for Peter. Peter then arrived and entered the tomb first.
Luke 24:34 - the two disciples distinguish Peter even though they both had seen the risen Jesus the previous hour. See Luke 24:33.
John 6:68 - after the disciples leave, Peter is the first to speak and confess his belief in Christ after the Eucharistic discourse.
John 13:6-9 - Peter speaks out to the Lord in front of the apostles concerning the washing of feet.
John 13:36; 21:18 - Jesus predicts Peter’s death. Peter was martyred at Rome in 67 A.D. Several hundred years of papal successors were also martyred.
John 21:2-3,11 - Peter leads the fishing and his net does not break. The boat (the “barque of Peter”) is a metaphor for the Church.
John 21:7 - only Peter got out of the boat and ran to the shore to meet Jesus. Peter is the earthly shepherd leading us to God.
John 21:15 - in front of the apostles, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus “more than these,” which refers to the other apostles. Peter is the head of the apostolic see.
John 21:15-17 - Jesus charges Peter to “feed my lambs,” “tend my sheep,” “feed my sheep.” Sheep means all people, even the apostles.
Acts 1:13 - Peter is first when entering upper room after our Lord’s ascension. The first Eucharist and Pentecost were given in this room.
Acts 1:15 - Peter initiates the selection of a successor to Judas right after Jesus ascended into heaven, and no one questions him. Further, if the Church needed a successor to Judas, wouldn’t it need one to Peter? Of course.
Acts 2:14 - Peter is first to speak for the apostles after the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost. Peter is the first to preach the Gospel.

Continued

 

[twb1621]

Post 2 of 3
Acts 2:38 - Peter gives first preaching in the early Church on repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:1,3,4 - Peter is mentioned first as going to the Temple to pray.
Acts 3:6-7 - Peter works the first healing of the apostles.
Acts 3:12-26, 4:8-12 - Peter teaches the early Church the healing through Jesus and that there is no salvation other than Christ.
Acts 5:3 - Peter declares the first anathema of Ananias and Sapphira which is ratified by God, and brings about their death. Peter exercises his binding authority.
Acts 5:15 - Peter’s shadow has healing power. No other apostle is said to have this power.
Acts 8:14 - Peter is mentioned first in conferring the sacrament of confirmation.
Acts 8:20-23 - Peter casts judgment on Simon’s quest for gaining authority through the laying on of hands. Peter exercises his binding and loosing authority.
Acts 9:32-34 - Peter is mentioned first among the apostles and works the healing of Aeneas.
Acts 9:38-40 - Peter is mentioned first among the apostles and raises Tabitha from the dead.
Acts 10:5 - Cornelius is told by an angel to call upon Peter. Angels are messengers of God. Peter was granted this divine vision.
Acts 10:34-48, 11:1-18 - Peter is first to teach about salvation for all (Jews and Gentiles).
Acts 12:5 - this verse implies that the “whole Church” offered “earnest prayers” for Peter, their leader, during his imprisonment.
Acts 12:6-11 - Peter is freed from jail by an angel. He is the first object of divine intervention in the early Church.
Acts 15:7-12 - Peter resolves the first doctrinal issue on circumcision at the Church’s first council at Jerusalem, and no one questions him. After Peter the Papa spoke, all were kept silent.
Acts 15:12 - only after Peter (the Pope) speaks do Paul and Barnabas (bishops) speak in support of Peter’s definitive teaching.
Acts 15:13-14 - then James speaks to further acknowledge Peter’s definitive teaching. “Simeon (Peter) has related how God first visited…”
Rom. 15:20 - Paul says he doesn’t want to build on “another man’s foundation” referring to Peter, who built the Church in Rome.
1 Cor. 9:5 – Peter is distinguished from the rest of the apostles and brethren of the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:4-8 - Paul distinguishes Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to Peter from those of the other apostles. Christ appeared “to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
Gal.1:18 - Paul spends fifteen days with Peter privately before beginning his ministry, even after Christ’s Revelation to Paul.
1 Peter 5:1 - Peter acts as the chief bishop by “exhorting” all the other bishops and elders of the Church.
1 Peter 5:13 - Some Protestants argue against the Papacy by trying to prove Peter was never in Rome. First, this argument is irrelevant to whether Jesus instituted the Papacy. Secondly, this verse demonstrates that Peter was in fact in Rome. Peter writes from “Babylon” which was a code name for Rome during these days of persecution. See, for example, Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2,10,21, which show that “Babylon” meant Rome. Rome was the “great city” of the New Testament period. Because Rome during this age was considered the center of the world, the Lord wanted His Church to be established in Rome.
2 Peter 1:14 - Peter writes about Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s death, embracing the eventual martyrdom that he would suffer.
2 Peter 3:16 - Peter is making a judgment on the proper interpretation of Paul’s letters. Peter is the chief shepherd of the flock.
Matt. 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:44 - yet Peter, as the first, humbled himself to be the last and servant of all servants.
“Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles. Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours and when he had at length suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him.” *Clement of Rome, The First Epistle of Clement, 5 (c. A.D. 96). *
“I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you.” Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Romans, 4 (c. A.D. 110).
'You have thus by such an admonition bound together the plantings of Peter and Paul at Rome and Corinth." Dionysius of Corinth, Epistle to Pope Soter, fragment in Eusebius’ Church History, II:25 (c. A.D. 178).
“Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church.” *Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 3:1:1 (c. A.D. 180). *
**
Continued

 

[twb1621]

Post 3 of 3

“As Peter had preached the Word publicly at Rome, and declared the Gospel by the Spirit, many who were present requested that Mark, who had followed him for a long time and remembered his sayings, should write them out.” Clement of Alexandria, fragment in Eusebius Church History, VI:14,6 (A.D. 190)
“It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero. This account of Peter and Paul is substantiated by the fact that their names are preserved in the cemeteries of that place even to the present day. It is confirmed likewise by Caius, a member of the Church, who arose under Zephyrinus, bishop of Rome. He, in a published disputation with Proclus, the leader of the Phrygian heresy, speaks as follows concerning the places where the sacred corpses of the aforesaid apostles are laid: ‘But I can show the trophies of the apostles. For if you will go to the Vatican or to the Ostian way, you will find the trophies of those who laid the foundations of this church.’” Gaius, fragment in Eusebius’ Church History, 2:25 (A.D. 198).
“[W]hat utterance also the Romans give, so very near (to the apostles), to whom Peter and Paul conjointly bequeathed the gospel even sealed with their own blood.” Tertullian, Against Marcion, 4:5 (inter A.D. 207-212).
'We read the lives of the Caesars: At Rome Nero was the first who stained with blood the rising blood. Then is Peter girt by another (an allusion to John 21:18), when he is made fast to the cross." Tertullian, Scorpiace, 15:3 (A.D. 212).
“Peter…at last, having come to Rome, he was crucified head-downwards; for he had requested that he might suffer this way.” *Origen, Third Commentary on Genesis, (A.D. 232). *
“Thus Peter, the first of the Apostles, having been often apprehended, and thrown into prison, and treated with igominy, was last of all crucified at Rome.” *Peter of Alexandria, The Canonical Epistle, Canon 9 (A.D. 306). *
“[W]hich Peter and Paul preached at Rome…” Lactantius, The Divine Institutes, 4:21 (A.D. 310).
“Peter…coming to the city of Rome, by the mighty cooperation of that power which was lying in wait there…” *Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, II:14,5 (A.D. 325). *
“This man [Simon Magus], after he had been cast out by the Apostles, came to Rome…Peter and Paul, a noble pair, chief rulers of the Church, arrived and set the error right…For Peter was there, who carrieth the keys of heaven…” Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures ,6:14-15 (c. A.D. 350).
“And Peter, who had hid himself for fear of the Jews, and the Apostle Paul who was let down in a basket, and fled, when they were told, ‘Ye must bear witness at Rome,’ deferred not the journey; yea, rather, they departed rejoicing…” Athanasius, Defence of his Flight, 18 (c. A.D. 357).
“I think it my duty to consult the chair of Peter, and to turn to a church whose faith has been praised by Paul…My words are spoken to the successor of the fisherman, to the disciple of the cross.” *Jerome, To Pope Damasus, Epistle 15 (A.D. 377). *
“For if when here he loved men so, that when he [Peter] had the choice of departing and being with Christ, he chose to be here, much more will he there display a warmer affection. I love Rome even for this, although indeed one has other grounds for praising it, both for its greatness, and its antiquity, and its beauty, and its populousness, and for its power, and its wealth, and for its successes in war. But I let all this pass, and esteem it blessed on this account, that both in his lifetime he wrote to them, and loved them so, and talked with them whiles he was with us, and brought his life to a close there.” *John Chrysostom, Epistle to the Romans, Homily 32 (c. A.D. 391). *
“Which was mere to the interest of the Church at Rome, that it should at its commencement be presided over by some high-born and pompous senator, or by the fisherman Peter, who had none of this world’s advantages to attract men to him?” *Gregory of Nyssa, To the Church at Nicodemia, Epistle 13 (ante A.D. 394). *
“But some people in some countries of the West, and especially in the city, [Rome] not knowing the reason of this indulgence, think that a dispensation from fasting ought certainly not to be allowed On the Sabbath, because they say that on this day the Apostle Peter fasted before his encounter with Simon [Magus].” John Cassian, Institutes, X (ante A.D. 435).
"The whole world, dearly-beloved, does indeed take part in all holy anniversaries [of Peter & Paul], and loyalty to the one Faith demands that whatever is recorded as done for all men’s salvation should be everywhere celebrated with common rejoicings. But, besides that reverence which to-day’s festival has gained from all the world, it is to be honoured with special and peculiar exultation in our city, that there may be a predominance of gladness on the day of their martyrdom in the place where the chief of the Apostles met their glorious end. For these are the men, through whom the light of Christ’s gospel shone on thee, O Rome, and through whom thou, who wast the teacher of error, wast made the disciple of Truth.” *Pope Leo the Great (regn. A.D. 440-461), Sermon LXXXII (ante A.D. 461). *
**
I’ll cut it short at this point.

 

[twb1621]

Where was the seat of Peter which was recognized as the seat of the Church’s authority by both the West and the East throughout the majority of history up to and before the split of the West and East, and where has it remained through to current times ?

 

[Daniel_Keeran]

Where was the seat of Peter which was recognized as the seat of the Church’s authority by both the West and the East throughout the majority of history up to and before the split of the West and East, and where has it remained through to current times ?

According to early documents, what is the first reference to a seat of Peter?

 

[Daniel_Keeran]

According to early documents, what is the first reference to a seat of Peter?

“The term cathedra was applied also to the see of a bishop. The **earliest use of the word in this sense occurs in Tertullian (c 200 AD), **who speaks (De praescriptione, XXXVI) of “cathedrae Apostolorum” in allusion to Apostolic succession in episcopal sees.” -“Cathedra” in NewAdvent