Ecclesiology
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter
said in reply, “You
are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to
him in reply, “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.”
Matthew 16, 16-19
My Explications of the Patristic Texts
Prescription against Heretics
Chapter 22. Attempt to Invalidate This Rule of Faith Rebutted.
The Apostles Safe Transmitters of the Truth.
Sufficiently Taught at First, and Faithful in the Transmission.
“The evidence is so close at hand
that nothing would be left to discuss if it were immediately
presented. Let’s
temporarily give in to the opposing argument if they believe they can disprove
this
rule, as if we had no evidence to support it. They often argue that the
apostles did not know
everything. But in doing so, they contradict themselves
by suggesting that the apostles did know
everything but chose not to share it
with everyone, which would imply that Christ made a
mistake in sending out
apostles who were either too ignorant or not sincere enough. Who, in their
right
mind, could believe that the apostles were ignorant of anything? After all, the
Lord
personally instructed them and explained everything to them when they were
alone, indicating
that they had knowledge of mysteries that were not meant for
the general public to understand.
Do you think anything was kept from Peter,
who was called the rock on which the church would
be built, and who was given
the keys to the kingdom of heaven and the power to bind and loose
in heaven and
on earth?”
The text responds to those who argue against the apostolic authority of the early Christian church. Tertullian argues that the apostles knew everything and were not ignorant, as some skeptics suggest. He points out that the apostles were chosen by Christ himself to be masters and that they were kept inseparable from him in their attendance, discipleship, and society. He further notes that Christ often revealed to the apostles things that were obscure to others and that he told them that to them, it was given to know those mysteries which it was not permitted the people to understand. The author asks if anything would be concealed from Peter, who was called the rock on which the church should be built, and who obtained the keys to the kingdom of heaven, with the power of loosing and binding in heaven and on earth? Would anything be hidden from John, the Lord’s most beloved disciple, who leaned on Christ’s breast and to whom Christ pointed out Judas as the traitor and commended to Mary as a son in his own stead?
Tertullian contends that Christ showed his glory to his apostles, along with Moses, Elias, and the Father’s voice from heaven. He maintains that Christ approved of the other apostles but kept the number of witnesses to three so that every word would be established. He concludes that those who reject the scripture cannot belong to the Holy Spirit, as they cannot acknowledge that the Holy Ghost was sent to the disciples. Tertullian asserts that these skeptics cannot claim to be a church since they cannot prove when and with what swaddling clothes this body was established. He emphasizes that it is important for these skeptics not to have any proof for the things they maintain, lest, along with them, damaging disclosures of those things they mendaciously devise are introduced.
The Discourse on the Holy Theophany, 9
“This is the Spirit that moved upon
the waters in the beginning; the Spirit by whom the world
moves, creation
exists, and all things have life. This is the Spirit who worked mightily in the
prophets and descended upon Christ. The apostles received this Spirit in the
form of fiery tongues.
David sought this Spirit when he said, ‘Create in me a
clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit
within me.’ Gabriel also spoke of
this Spirit to the Virgin, saying, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon
you, and the
power of the Highest shall overshadow you.’ Peter spoke the blessed word by
this
Spirit, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ The rock of the
Church was established by
this Spirit. This is the Spirit, the Comforter, who
is sent because of you, to show that you are the
Son of God.”
The text discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit in various contexts within Christian theology. The opening line emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the initial force in the creation of the world. This suggests that the Spirit is not only vital for creation but is also an ongoing presence in the universe, involved in sustaining life. The Spirit’s role extends beyond creation to active participation in revelation and prophecy. It highlights how the prophets of the Old Testament were empowered by the Spirit to speak God’s words and how this same Spirit descended upon Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature.
The reference to the apostles receiving the Spirit as "fiery tongues" points to the event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit enabled them to spread the message of Christianity boldly and effectively. This moment symbolizes the transformative power of the Spirit in empowering believers to share their faith. The mention of David’s prayer for a clean heart underscores the personal and transformative relationship individuals can have with the Spirit. It reflects a plea for spiritual renewal and moral integrity, key aspects of the Christian faith. The text references Gabriel’s declaration to Mary about the Holy Spirit coming upon her, linking the Spirit to the incarnation of Jesus. This emphasizes the Spirit's role in significant divine events and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Peter’s proclamation that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” illustrates the Spirit's influence in recognizing and affirming Jesus’ identity, which is foundational to the Christian faith. Referring to this proclamation as the establishment of the Church signifies that the community of believers is built upon the recognition of Christ’s divine identity, all facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
Finally, the text describes the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" sent to believers. This role signifies the Spirit’s function in providing guidance, support, and assurance of one’s identity as a child of God. It reassures believers of their status in the divine family and emphasizes the intimate relationship they can have with God.
Overall, the text highlights the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit as the source of life, guidance, empowerment, and comfort within the Christian tradition, marking its integral presence throughout biblical history and individual spiritual journeys.
On Church Unity, 4
“‘…You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church’… He builds the Church on Peter and
entrusts him to feed the sheep. Although he gives similar power to all the
apostles, he establishes
a single Chair, demonstrating the source and symbol of
the Church’s unity
through his authority
If a
person does not adhere to this unity of Peter, can they still claim to hold the
faith? If they
abandon the Chair of Peter on whom the Church was built, can
they still be confident they are
part of the Church?”
The text is an excerpt from a theological treatise that discusses the concept of unity in the Church. St. Cyprian argues that the unity of the Church is derived from its foundation on Peter, as Jesus stated in Matthew 16:18-19. Although Jesus gave all of His Apostles equal power, the author contends that unity was manifest by beginning from one. The other Apostles were similar to Peter in honor and power, but the origin of that unity came from one.
Cyprian cites the Canticle of Canticles, where the Holy Ghost designates the one Church as “My Dove, My perfect one, one is she to her mother, one to her that bare her.” He concludes that those who do not hold the unity of the Church cannot hold the Faith, and those who resist the Church cannot be confident that they are part of it. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of unity in the Church and how it is derived from its foundation on Peter. Cyprian uses biblical passages to support their argument and emphasize the necessity of holding the unity of the Church as a prerequisite for holding the Faith.
Catechetical Lecture 11,3
“Our Lord Jesus Christ once became
man, but many people did not recognize him. To teach what
was unknown, He
gathered His disciples and asked them, “Who do people say that I, the Son of
Man, am?” (Matthew 16:13). He did not ask this out of vanity but to reveal the
truth to them. He
wanted to prevent them while living with God, the only
begotten of God, from thinking lightly of
Him as if He were just an ordinary
man. When they answered that, some said He was Elijah, and
some said He was
Jeremiah. He told them it was understandable for people to not know. Still, His
disciples, who performed miracles in His name, should not be ignorant of Him
through whom they
did these wondrous works. When they all became silent (for
the matter was too profound for
mere mortals to comprehend), Peter, the
foremost of the Apostles and chief proclaimer of the
Church, not by clever
invention or human reasoning, but through illumination from the Father,
said to
Him, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” A blessing followed
Peter’s words, as it
was truly above human understanding, and it confirmed that
the Father had revealed it to him.
For the Savior said, “Blessed are you, Simon
Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to
you, but My Father who is
in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17). Therefore, the one who acknowledges our
Lord Jesus
Christ as the Son of God shares in this blessedness, but the one who denies the
Son of
God is a poor and miserable person.”
Cyril of Jerusalem discusses the proof of faith in a short summary of the truth. The Lord speaks to Peter, stating that he is the rock upon which He will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The Lord also gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, allowing him to bind or loose anything on earth and in heaven. After His resurrection, the Lord again speaks to Peter and tells him to feed His sheep. While the Lord gives all the apostles equal power after His resurrection, He arranges the origin of unity by His authority, beginning from one. The rest of the apostles were also endowed with a similar partnership of honor and power as Peter, but the beginning proceeds from unity. The Holy Spirit in the Song of Songs designates this one Church in the person of our Lord, stating that it is but one. The Church is the only one of her mother, the elect of her, who bore her. The text also questions whether those who do not hold this unity of the Church think they hold the faith and whether those who resist the Church trust that they are in the Church.
The Apostle Paul teaches the same thing and sets forth the sacrament of unity, stating that there is one body, one spirit, one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. This text provides insight into the proof of faith in a short summary of the truth. The Lord speaks to Peter, portraying him as the rock upon which He will build His Church, and conveys that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The Lord gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, allowing him to bind or loose anything on earth and in heaven. After His resurrection, the Lord again speaks to Peter and instructs him to feed His sheep. Although the Lord gives all the apostles equal power after His resurrection, He arranges the origin of unity, beginning from one, to set forth unity. The rest of the apostles are similarly endowed with a partnership of honor and power as Peter, but the beginning proceeds from unity.
The Holy Spirit in the Song of Songs designates this one Church in the person of our Lord, stating that it is but one. The Church is the only one of her mother, elect of her that bore her. This text also raises the question of whether those who do not hold this unity of the Church think that they hold the faith and whether those who resist the Church trust that they are in the Church. The blessed Apostle Paul teaches the same thing and sets forth the sacrament of unity, stating that there is one body, one spirit, one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
Homilies 706 4, 1
“Simon, My follower, I have made you
the foundation of the Holy Church. I called you Peter
(Kepha) because you will
support all its buildings. You are the inspector of those who will build
on
earth a Church for me…I have
given you the keys of my kingdom. Behold, have given you
authority over all my
treasures.”
The text is a message from Jesus Christ to his follower, Simon, whom he has selected as the foundation of the Holy Church. In the message, Jesus explains that he has given Simon the name Peter, meaning “rock,” as he sees in him the unyielding support and strength required to sustain the weight of the Church’s mission. Simon is to oversee the construction of the Church on Earth and ensure that each building block aligns with Jesus’ teachings. Simon is the head of the fountain from which Jesus’ teachings flow, the leader of his disciples, and the chief of the Church. Through Simon, Jesus will nourish all peoples spiritually, quenching their thirst for knowledge and understanding.
Simon is also selected to serve as the firstborn or cornerstone of Jesus’ institution. As the executor of his treasures, he is responsible for safeguarding Jesus’ wisdom and ensuring that the Church remains true to its mission. Jesus has given Simon the keys to his kingdom, symbolizing his authority over all of Jesus’ treasures, the responsibility he bears for the salvation of humanity, and the trust he has placed in Simon to carry out his divine plan. Overall, the text conveys the immense importance of Simon’s role in the Church’s establishment and the trust that Jesus has placed in him to carry out his mission.
Oration 32, 18
“Seest thou that of the disciples of
Christ, all of whom were exalted and deserving of choice, one
is called rock
and is entrusted with the foundations of the church.”
Gregory of Nazianzen delves into the significant events in the life of Christ and his disciples. The speaker suggests another noteworthy event to share, which can serve as a reminder and inspiration for us. He then highlights the unique roles of Peter and John among the disciples. Peter was entrusted with the foundations of the Church, which is evident in the Gospel of Matthew, where Christ says to Peter, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). John, on the other hand, was known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23) and rested upon Jesus’ bosom during the last supper.
The author then discusses the moment Christ revealed his divinity to three disciples, Peter, James, and John, by taking them up to a mountain. This event is known as the Transfiguration, where Christ’s face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light (Mt 17:2). The significance of this event is that it confirmed Christ’s divinity and revealed to the disciples that he was the Son of God.
Finally, Gregory mentions that when Christ was in agony and withdrew to pray before his passion, Peter, James, and John were present with him. This event is known as the Agony in the Garden, where Christ prayed to his Father to take away the cup of suffering. The significance of this event is that it shows the loyalty and devotion of Peter, James, and John to Christ, even in his darkest hour. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of these three disciples and their close relationship with Christ, which inspires us to deepen our faith and commitment to Christ.
Commentary on Luke 6.98
“Try, my friend to be a rock. You
will not find this rock outside you, but inside. Your rock is your
action; your
rock is your spirit. Your house is built on this rock so that no hurricane of
evil spirits
can topple it over. Your rock is the faith; faith is the
foundation of the Church. If you are a rock,
you will be within the Church, for
the Church rests on the rock. If you are in the Church, the gates
of Hell shall
not prevail against you. The gates of Hell are death’s gates, and death’s gates
cannot
be the entrance to the Church.”
Ambrose reflects on the significance of faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of Peter’s declaration of Christ’s identity as the Son of God. He emphasizes that knowing Christ and having faith in him is the church’s foundation. He further highlights the importance of being a rock, which means having solid and unwavering faith, a firm mind, and demonstrating good deeds. The author also draws attention to the fact that Christ shared his name with his disciples, demonstrating Christ’s grace towards them. When Christ called Peter “rock,” he recognized Peter’s faith and constancy and compared them to a rock, which is firm and steadfast. This recognition of Peter’s faith and constancy by Christ is a significant moment in the history of Christianity. The text encourages us to strive to be like Peter by placing our faith in Christ and being unwavering in our beliefs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of not relying on the opinions of others when it comes to faith. Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ of God, which showed his faith and belief in Christ’s divinity, incarnation, and passion.
Ambrose further emphasizes that to be a part of the church, we must conquer our flesh and imitate Peter’s faith and constancy. Even if we cannot equal Peter, we can still follow in his footsteps and be the church’s foundation. The author encourages us to try to be a rock, which means having solid faith, a firm mind, and good deeds. If we are a rock, we will be part of the church, which is built on a rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
In summary, this text highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the significance of Peter’s declaration of Christ’s identity as the Son of God. It encourages us to follow Peter’s example through unwavering faith in Christ and demonstrating good deeds. It emphasizes the need to be a rock, which means having solid faith, a firm mind, and steadfast beliefs. If we do this, we will be part of the church built on a rock, and nothing can overcome or shake us.
Tractates on the Gospel of John, 124.5
“The Church acts in blessed hope
through this troubled life, symbolized in its generality but
personified in the
Apostle Peter due to the primacy of his apostleship. As an individual, Peter
was
one man by nature, one Christian by grace, and the first apostle through
even more abounding
grace. When Jesus said to him, “I will give unto you the
keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose on
earth shall be loosed in
heaven,” Peter represented the universal Church. This Church, shaken by
various
temptations in the world, stands firm because it is founded upon a rock
(petra), from
which Peter received his name. The rock (petra) is not derived
from Peter, but Peter from the rock.
Similarly, Christ is not called so from
the Christian, but the Christian from Christ. When the Lord
said, “On this rock
will I build my Church,” He referred to the confession that Peter made, “You
are
the Christ, the Son of the living God.” So, Peter is to be understood as
representing the Church
founded on the rock, Christ Himself. As Christ is the
foundation, the Church, represented by Peter,
received from Christ the keys of
the kingdom of heaven, signifying the power of binding and
loosing sins. Living
amidst evil, this Church delivers from evil by loving and following Christ.”
Augustine
describes the Apostle Peter’s role as the Church’s representative due to his
apostleship’s primacy. While Peter was just one man by nature, he became the
apostles’ leader by God’s grace. When Jesus said to him, “I will give you the
keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” He was
referring to the universal Church that would be built on the foundation of
faith in Him. Despite being shaken by various temptations and trials, the
Church remains steadfast because it is founded upon a rock (petra). Peter
received his name from the Greek word petra, which means rock. It is important
to note that petra (rock) is not derived from Peter’s name, but rather, Peter’s
name is derived from petra. Similarly, Christ is not called so because of
Christians, but Christians are called so because of Christ. Therefore, when
Jesus said, “On this rock, I will build my Church,” he referred to Peter’s
confession when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The Church is founded on Christ, represented by the Rock (Petra), and Peter built on this foundation. No other foundation can be laid other than Christ Jesus. The Church, founded in Christ, received the keys to the kingdom of heaven in the person of Peter, which is the power of binding and loosing sins. This means the Church has the authority to declare what is sinful and what is not. Peter represents the Church in the Rock (Petra), Christ is the Rock, and Peter is the Church. The Church, founded on Christ, is the true representation of the Rock. Therefore, the Lord said, “On this rock, I will build my Church,” because Peter had confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Church, as a whole, is founded on this confession, and it is upon this foundation that the Church stands today.
Dialogue on the Trinty, 4
“The divine Word pronounced Peter,
the chosen one of the holy apostles, to be blessed. For when,
in the parts of
Caesarea called Philippi, the Saviour asked “Who do men say that the Son of man
is? ” . . . he cried out saying ” Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living
God”, and speedily
received,the reward of his true conception about him, Christ
saying “Blessed art thou . . . “,
calling, I imagine, nothing else the rock, in
allusion to his name, but the inmovable and stable
faith of the disciple on
which the Church of Christ is founded and fixed without danger of falling.”
The text is an insightful reflection on the significance of faith and the divinity of Christ. It begins by referencing the passage from Matthew 16 in which Christ questions the people in the region of Caesarea, specifically in Philippi, about who they think He is and what rumors about Him are spreading throughout Judea and the surrounding towns. Peter, one of the apostles, boldly declares that Jesus is the Son of the living God, seen as an extraordinary act of wisdom and understanding. This declaration of faith is recognized as crucial because it establishes Peter as the foundation of the Church.
Cyril explains that Peter’s faith was not based on human understanding but on divine instruction. Christ rewards Peter by calling him blessed and declaring that the Church will be built upon the rock of his faith. He highlights that Peter’s faith is unshakable and unwavering, so he is called the rock on which the Church will be built. The author then criticizes those who reject God’s teachings and deny Christ’s divinity, stating that such people are ignorant and misguided. Cyril argues that those who deny Christ’s divinity are wretched and abandoned because they are missing out on the truth that is revealed through faith. He further argues that those who reject God’s true teachings and recklessly rail against His will are miserable and abandoned. The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of faith in recognizing Christ’s true nature as the Son of God and the foundation of the Church. It highlights that faith is not based on human understanding but is instead a result of divine instruction from above. The passage is seen as a powerful reminder of this.
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.
Luke 22, 32
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