I was re-reading some of the notes from a study group I was at last night, and thought I would type them up and post them here...doing this seems to help reinforce my learning the material.
On the Holy Father, and his office:
When the keys were handed to someone in Jewish tradition, they were handed authority. For example, in the book of Revelation (Rev 1:18), we see that Christ has the keys of death and hell.
While the Pope is a human being, and a sinner just like you and I, it is the office of the Papacy that preserved from error. Paul wrote the books of Galatians, Philippians, etc those were inerrant books. But Paul calls himself the prince of sinners! He was actually a murderer. And yet we consider the books he wrote the inerrant word of God. Why? Because you trust God! The principle is that God protects His revealed truth from error. But He doesnt just do that in a moment of history he does that all through time, and this includes the See of Peter.
· Saint clement of Rome, 96 AD:
If any should disobey the things spoken by Him (Christ) through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in no light transgression and danger.
· Saint Jerome, 376 AD, writing to Pope Damascus:
I am linked in communion with the Blessedness, that is, with the Chair of Peter. On that rock, I know the Church is built. Whoso shall eat the Lamb outside this house is profane Whoso gathereth not with thee scattereth: that is, he who is not of Christ is of the Antichrist.
· The Council of Sarcica, 346 AD:
For this will seem to be best, and by far the most proper course, if the bishops of the Lord, from every province, shall refer to the head, that is, the See of Peter.
And finally, a little bit of prophesy for you:
Isaiah 22:21-23
21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and will strengthen him with thy girdle, and will give thy power into his hand: and he shall be as a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Juda.
22 And I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut: and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Hhhmmm sounds very similar to:
Matthew 16:17-19
17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.
On the Holy Father, and his office:
When the keys were handed to someone in Jewish tradition, they were handed authority. For example, in the book of Revelation (Rev 1:18), we see that Christ has the keys of death and hell.
While the Pope is a human being, and a sinner just like you and I, it is the office of the Papacy that preserved from error. Paul wrote the books of Galatians, Philippians, etc those were inerrant books. But Paul calls himself the prince of sinners! He was actually a murderer. And yet we consider the books he wrote the inerrant word of God. Why? Because you trust God! The principle is that God protects His revealed truth from error. But He doesnt just do that in a moment of history he does that all through time, and this includes the See of Peter.
- Peters name occurs first in all the lists of the Apostles. (Matt 10:2, Mark 3:16, Luke 6:14, acts 1:13)
- He alone receives a new name, solemnly conferred. (John 1:42) Remember, this is consistent with the types of the Old Testament. Whether is was Abraham or others, when they received a new name, conferred on them was a divine mission.
- The name he receives is peculiarly ill-suited to his personal character and history, therefore, it is applied to his official position. Its a metaphor, which is specially applied to him by Christ in an analogous sense. (I Peter 2:4-8, Matt 21:42)
- He is the first to confess Christs divinity and he alone received divine knowledge by a special revelation. (Matt 16:17-19)
- He is indicated as being the object of Christs special prayer, distinct from the others. (Luke 22:31-32)
- He was the first to enter the tomb (Luke 24:12, John 20:6) and he is distinguished by the angel as the leader and representative of the rest. (Mark 16:7)
- He leads the apostles of fishing (John 21:2-3) which is a profound metaphor!
- He alone casts himself into the sea to come to Jesus. (John 21:7)
- He takes the lead in filling the vacant apostolate. (Acts 1:15)
- He first preaches at Pentecost and summons men to salvation. (Acts 2:14)
- He works the first Church miracle. (Acts 3:6)
- He utters the churchs first anathema. (Acts 5:2-11)
- His shadow, alone among all, works miracles. (Acts 5:15)
- He is the first to raise the dead. (Acts 9:40)
- He is the object of the Churchs divine deliverance. (Acts 12:6-17)
· Saint clement of Rome, 96 AD:
If any should disobey the things spoken by Him (Christ) through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in no light transgression and danger.
· Saint Jerome, 376 AD, writing to Pope Damascus:
I am linked in communion with the Blessedness, that is, with the Chair of Peter. On that rock, I know the Church is built. Whoso shall eat the Lamb outside this house is profane Whoso gathereth not with thee scattereth: that is, he who is not of Christ is of the Antichrist.
· The Council of Sarcica, 346 AD:
For this will seem to be best, and by far the most proper course, if the bishops of the Lord, from every province, shall refer to the head, that is, the See of Peter.
And finally, a little bit of prophesy for you:
Isaiah 22:21-23
21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and will strengthen him with thy girdle, and will give thy power into his hand: and he shall be as a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Juda.
22 And I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut: and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Hhhmmm sounds very similar to:
Matthew 16:17-19
17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.