From this tiny acorn..
to this magnificent oak tree.
Jesus Christ planted
that tiny seed, and He has tended it, and watered it, and loved it, and
nourished it, and protected it, and watched it grow and expand for
almost 2000 years. He will continue to watch over His Church until the end of
time. That is His promise.
The word 'Catholic' is taken from
the Greek 'Katholicos', which translated, means 'Universal'. The Greek
word was Latinized into 'Catholicus'. Taking the true meaning of the word, we find that
the 'Catholic Church' is mentioned in Scripture in Matt 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 behold, I am with you 'ALL' days, even unto the consummation of the world." The
three 'ALLS'
are ALL people,
ALL truth,
for ALL time,
truly 'Universal', truly 'Catholic'.
"And continuing daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread in their
houses..."
Acts 2:46
"Greet Prisca and Aquila, my helpers in Christ
Jesus, who for my life have risked their own necks. To them not only I
give thanks but also the Churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the Church that is in their
house. Greet my beloved Ephaenetus, who is the first fruits of Asia to Christ."
Romans 16:3-5.
"The Churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla with the Church at their house (Corinth) greet you heartily in the Lord." 1Cor 16:19
"Greetings to the brethren who are at Laodicea and to Nymphas and the Church that is in his house." Col 4:15-16
"And to Appia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the Church that is in thy house:" Philemon 1:2
Notice in Romans and Corinthians above, that
the Church had
already spread to Asia.
"Now they who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41
"And the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord increased still more..." Acts 5:14
"Now in those days, as the number of the disciples was increasing..." Acts 6:1
"So the Churches grew stronger
and stronger in the faith and increased in numbers daily."
Acts 16:5
"And the Word of the Lord continued to spread, and the number of the disciples increased rapidly in Jerusalem; a large number also of the priests accepted the faith." Acts 6:7
"Now throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria the Church was in peace and
was being built up, walking in fear of the Lord, and it was filled with
the consolation of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:31. The command of
Jesus Christ in Acts 1:8 is being carried out.
"And news concerning them came to the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. Acts 11:22
"But the Word of the Lord continued to grow and spread." Acts 12:24
Starting in Acts 13:1, the worldwide, universal, Catholic Church began to expand to eventually include all of humanity...
"Now in the Church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, among whom were Barnabas and Simon, called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen the fostering brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." Acts 13:1
"On arriving at Jerusalem they were welcomed by the Church and the Apostles and Presbyters (priests), and they proclaimed all that GOD had done with them." Acts 15:4
"Then the Apostles and the Presbyters (priests) with the whole Church decided to select representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Acts 15:22
"But I commend to you
Phoebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the Church at Cenchrea..."
Rom 16:1
"..to the Church of GOD at Corinth." 1Cor 1:2, 2Cor 1:1
"Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy to the Church of the Thessalonians." 1Thess 1:1, 2Thess 1:1
"The Church which is at Babylon (Rome), chosen together with you, greets you, and so does my son Mark." 1Pet 5:13
"To the angel (Bishop) of the Church at Ephesus write..." Rev 2:1
"And to the angel of the Church at Smyrna write..." Rev 2:8
"And to the angel of the Church at Pergamum write..." Rev 2:12
"And to the angel of the Church at Thyratira write..." Rev 2:18
"And to the angel of the Church at Sardis write..." Rev 3:1
"And to the angel of the Church at Philadelphia write..." Rev 3:7
"And to the angel of the Church at Laodicea write..." Rev 3:14
Cyprus, Acts 13:4
Iconium, Acts 14:1
Lystra, Acts 14:7
Derbe, Acts 14:19-20
Philippi, Acts 16:12
Thessalonica, Acts 17:1-2
Berea, Acts 17:10
Athens, Acts 17:16
Corinth, Acts 18:1-2
Ephesus, Acts 18:19
Tyre, Acts 21:3-6
Malta, Acts 28:1-10
Rome, Acts 28:16-30
Implied...
Pamphylia, Acts 14:23
Perge, Acts 14:24
Attalia, Acts 14:24
Phoenicia, Acts 15:3
Caesarea, Acts 18:22
"For from you the Word
of the Lord has been spread Abroad, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in Every Place
Your Faith In GOD Has Gone Forth, so that
we need say nothing further."
1Thess 1:8
"Amen I say to you, wherever in the Whole World this Gospel is preached, this also that she has done shall be told in memory of her." Matt 26:13
"But I say; Have they not heard? Yes, indeed, Their voice has gone forth into All the Earth, and their words Unto the ends of the World." Rom 10:18
"And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the Whole World, for a witness to All Nations; and then will come the end." Matt 24:14
"Go, therefore and make disciples of All Nations..." Matt 28:19
And He said to them, "Go
into the Whole World and preach the Gospel to every creature."
Mark 16:15
"But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the preaching by the signs that followed." Mark 16:20
"And they continued steadfastly in the teaching of the Apostles and in the Communion of the Breaking of the Bread and in Prayers." Acts 2:42
"I will declare thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the Church I will praise thee." Heb 2:12
"According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense." Luke 1:9-10
"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And with the prayers of the saints there went up before GOD from the angel's hand the smoke of the incense." Rev 8:3-4
The Catholic Church uses incense today, and
offers it up with the prayers of the saints. Does your church do these
things?
"And the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the Word of the Lord." Acts 13:44
"And he would preach in
the synagogue every Sabbath, and try to convince the Jews and Greeks."
Acts 18:4
"And on the first day of the week (Sunday),
when we had met for the Breaking of the Bread (the Holy Eucharist of the Mass), Paul addressed them, as he was to leave the next
morning, and he prolonged his address until midnight." Acts 20:7
The Catholic Church has
Apostolic Succession...
Didache, 15:1. J9
Clement of Rome, Letter to
the Corinthians 42:1, 44:3. J20
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
3:3:1, 3:3:4, 4:26:2, 4:33:8, 5:20:1, J209-257
Tertullian, Demurrer
Against Heretics 32:1. *J296
Clement of Alexandria, Who
is the Rich Man That is Saved 42:2 J438
Firmilian, Letter to
Cyprian 75:16. J602,602a
Council of Laodicea, Canon
12. J745g
Poem against the
Marcionites 3:276. J897
Epiphanius of Salamis,
Against All Heresies 27:6. J1092
The Catholic Church has the
Authority...
Ignatius, Letter Ephesians
5:3. J38a,b,43,44,47,48,49,58a
Ignatius, Letter to the
Smyrneans 8:1. J65
Tertullian, Against Marcion
4:5:1. J341
Augustine, Against the
Letter of Mani 5:6. J1581
Augustine, Against Faustus
33:6+. J1607, *J1631
Catholic Church, in which all references mention the Catholic Church by
name...
Ignatius, Letter to the Smyrneans 8:1-2. J65 106AD
Martyrdom of St. Polycarp
16:2. J77,79,80a,81a, 155AD
Clement of Alexandria,
Stromateis 7:17:107:3. J435 202AD
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church 4-6.
J555-557 251AD
Cyprian, Letter to
Florentius 66:69:8. J587 254AD
Lactantius, Divine
Institutions 4:30:1. J637 304AD
Alexander of Alexandria,
Letters 12. J680 324AD
Athanasius, Letter on Council of Nicea 27. J757 350AD
Athanasius, Letter to
Serapion 1:28. J782 359AD
Athanasius, Letter to
Council of Rimini 5. J785 361AD
Cyril
of Jerusalem, Catachetical Lectures 18:1. J836-839
Damasus, Decree of Damasus
3. J910u 382AD
Serapion, The Sacramentary
13:1. J1239a 350AD
Pacian of Barcelona, Letter
to Sympronian 1:4 J1243 375AD
Augustine, Letter to
Vincent the Rogatist 93:7:23. J1422
Augustine, Letter to
Vitalis 217:5:16. J1456 427AD
Augustine, Psalms 88:2:14,
90:2:1. J1478-1479 418AD
Augustine, Sermons 2,
267:4. J1492, J1523 430AD
Augustine, Sermon to
Catechumens on the Creed 6:14. J1535
Augustine, The True
Religion 7:12+. J1548, J1562, J1564
Augustine, Against the
Letter of Mani 4:5. J1580-1581
Augustine, Christian
Instruction 2:8:12+. J1584, J1617
Augustine, Baptism
4:21:28+. J1629, J1714, J1860a, J1882
Augustine, Against the
Pelagians 2:3:5+. J1892, J1898
Innocent I, Letter to
Probus 36. J2017
Fulgence of Ruspe,
Forgiveness of Sins 1:19:2, J2251-2252
Damasus, Decree of Damasus
1. J910s
Catholic Church, Antiquity of...
Hermas, The Shepherd Vis
2:4:1. J82
Anonymous 2nd Letter of
Clement to Corinthians 14:2. J105
Clement of Alexandria,
Stromateis 7:17:107:3. J435
Augustine, Letter to
Deogratias 102:15. J1428
Augustine, Psalms 90:2:1.
J1479
Augustine, Predestination
of Saints 9:18. J1985
Gregory I, Letter to John
5:44:18. J2295 595AD
Catholic Church will last Forever...
Clement, Letter to
Corinthians 42:1,64. J20,29a 80AD
Anonymous, 2nd letter of
Clement to Rome 14:2. J105
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church 4.
J555-556
Cyprian, Letter to the
Lapsed 33:27:1. J571
Hilary, The Trinity 7:4.
J865 Augustine, Psalms 90:2:1. J1479
Augustine, Sermon to
Catechumens 6:14. J1535
Catholic Church Founded...
Clement, Letter to
Corinthians 42:1. J20
Hermas, The Shepherd Vis
2:4:1-3:5:1. J82-84 140AD
Anonymous, Letter of
Clement 14:2. J105
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
3:16:6. J217a
Tertullian, Demurrer
Against Heretics 9:3. J289
Clement of Alexandria,
Stromateis 7:17:107:3. J435 202AD
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church 4.
J555-556
Cyprian, Letter to the
Lapsed 33:27:1. J571
Hilary of Poitiers, The
Trinity 7:4. J865
Augustine, Homilies on John
9:10. J1814
Catholic Church in Rome Founded...
Clement, Letter to the
Corinthians, Address. J10a 80AD
Ignatius, Letter to the
Romans, J52
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
3:3:3. J210-211
Cyprian, Letter to
Cornelius 59:55:14. J580
Council of Constantinople,
Canon3. J910d
Damasus, Decree of Damasus
3. J910u
Optatus of Melvis, Schism
of Donatists 2:2. J1242
Catholic Church Unity...
Didache 4:3. J1b
Ignatius, Letter to the
Philadelphians 3:2. J56
Tertullian, Demurrer
Against Heretics 20:4. J292
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church 4.
J555-556
Catholic Church is Universal...
Didache, 9:1,10:1. J6,7
Clement, Letter to
Corinthians 5:1. J11
Ignatius, Letter to the
Ephesians 3:2. J38
Martyrdom of St. Polycarp,
Address. J77,79,81a
Hermas, The Shepherd Par
9:17:4. J93
Anonymous, Letter to
Diogenetus 6:1. J97a
Aristides of Athens,
Apology 15. J112
Justin Martyr, Dialogue
with Trypho 110. J144
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
1:10:1. J191,192,215,257
The Muratorian Fragment.
J268
Tertullian, Against the
Jews 7:4. J320a
Clement of Alexandria,
Exhortation Greeks 10:110:1. J405
Cyril of Jerusalem,
Catechetical Lectures 18:23. J838
Damasus, Decree of Damasus
3. J910u
Catholic Church is an Infallible Church...
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
3:4:1. J213
Tertullian, Demurrer
Against Heretics 28:1. J295
Augustine, Against Letter
of Mani 5:6. J1581
Catholic Church has an Infallible Pope...
Tertullian, Demurrer
Against Heretics 23:10. J294, 200AD
Cyprian, Letter to
Cornelius 59:55:14. J580, 252AD
Augustin, Sermons 131:10+.
J1507, J1892
Peter Chrysologus, Letter
to Eutyches 25:2. J2178
Papal succession...
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church 4.
J555-556
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
3:3:3, 4:26:2. J211,237
Firmilian, Letter to
Cyprian 75:17. J602a
Athanasius, Letter to
Julius I 22:35. J806a
Optatus of Milevis, Schism
of Donatists 2:2. J1242
Augustine, Letter to
Generosus 53:1:2. J1418
Peter was indeed in Rome...
Dionysius, Letter to Soter
of Rome
2:25:8. J106a,b 198AD
Irenaeus, Against Heresies
3:1:1. J208, 3:3:3 J211 180AD
Tertullian, Demurrer
Against Heretics 32:1,36:1. J296-297
Tertullian, Antidote
Against the Scorpion 15:3. J368a
Clement, Fragment in
Eusebius, History 6:14:1. J439-440
Peter of Alexandria,
Penance Canon 9. J611gg 306AD
Lactantius, Deaths of the
Persecutors 2:5. J647a
Eusebius, The Chronicle
J651aa 42AD, J651cc,dd 320AD
Eusebius, History of the Church 3:1:1. J652a
Cyril of Jerusalem,
Catechetical Lectures 6:14. J822c
Damasus I, Decree of
Damasus 3. J910u 382AD
Epiphanius of Salamis,
Against All Heresies 27:6. J1092
Optatus of Milevis, Schism
of Donatists 2:2. J1242
The Papacy...
Cyprian of Carthage,
Letters 8:2:1. J568a,570b 250AD
Arius, Letter to Alexander
of Alexandria, J651 320AD
Rufinus, The Apostles Creed
1. J1343a
Peter Chrysologus, Letter
to Eutyches 25:2. J2178
The Primacy of Peter...
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church 4.
J555-556
Origen, Commentaries on
John 5:3 J479a
Cornelius I, Letter to
Cyprian Epist 49. J546-546a
Cyprian, Letter to Quintas
71:1. J592a
Firmilian, Letter to
Cyprian 75:17 J602a
Eusebius, History of the Church 2:14:6. J651dd
Aphraates, Treatises 21:13
J693a
Council of Sardica, Canons,
Canon 3,4. J702a,b
Julius I, Letter to Bishops
of Antioch 22:35. J806a
Council of Constantinople,
Canon3. J910d
Damasus, Decree of Damasus
3. J910u
Ambrose, On Twelve Psalms
40:30+. J1252a,1261
Jerome, Letter to Damasus
15:2, J1346,1346a
Augustine, Letter to
Generosus 53:1:2. J1418
Augustine, Sermons
131:10,295:2+. J1507,1526,1892
Innocent I, Letter to
Council of Carthage 29:1. J2015f
Peter Chrysologus, Letter
to Eutyches 25:2. J2178
Leo I, Letters 14:11+.
J2178a,2179a,2184a,*J2191, 449 AD
The Vatican...
Eusebius, History of the Church fragment 2:25:5.
J106a
***Note: The Jxxx references are for "The
Faith of the Early Fathers", by William A. Jurgens
The writings of the Church
Fathers are readily available on the internet, free of charge.
"So the Twelve called
together the multitude of the disciples and said, 'It is not desirable
that we should forsake the Word of GOD and serve at tables. Therefore,
brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of
Spirit and of wisdom, that we may put them in charge of this work. But
we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word'."
Acts 6:1-6
Stephen was chosen as the
first Deacon (Acts 6:5) and he also became the first Martyr, Acts
7:54-60.
The Catholic Church has priests (presbyters) now, just as it had then...
"And when they had appointed presbyters for them in each Church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed." Acts 14:22
"Is anyone among you
sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray
over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord." James 5:14
"Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as Bishops, to rule the Church of GOD, which He has purchased with His own blood." Acts 20:28
"Paul and Timothy,
servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at
Philippi, with the Bishops and Deacons." Philippians 1:1
Every Catholic Bishop can show his line of spiritual descent, that is, who consecrated him, who consecrated his consecrator, and so on, all the way back to the Apostles. Jesus Christ vested in the Apostles special authority. This special Apostolic authority has been passed down in unbroken succession through the Bishops of the Church for almost two thousand years, so that the present Bishops of the Church truly teach with the voice of Jesus Christ through the Apostles.
Jn 15:5, "For without Me, you can do nothing."
Jn 5:19, "...the Son can do nothing of Himself, but only what He sees the Father doing..."
Lk 24:48, "...and you yourselves are witnesses to these things."
Mk 2:10, "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins..."
Jn 7:16, "My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me."
Jn 5:30, "Of Myself I can do nothing. As I hear, I judge and My judgment is just because I seek not My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."
Jn 8:28-29, "...when you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that of Myself I do nothing: but that I preach only what the Father has taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I do always the things that are pleasing to Him."
Jn 12:49, "For I have not spoken on My own authority, but He who sent Me, the Father, has commanded Me what I should say, and what I should declare."
Mt 28:18, "...All power in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me."
Jn 15:15, "But I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Jn 16:11, "...and of judgment, because the prince of this world has already been judged."
Lk 24:49, "And I send forth upon you the promise of My Father. But wait here in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."
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 behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world."
Jn 20:21, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
Jn 17:18, "Even as thou hast sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."
Jn 17:22-23, "And the glory that thou hast given Me, I have given to them, that they might be one, even as We are One; I in them and Thou in Me; that they may be perfected in unity, and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and Thou hast loved them even as Thou hast loved Me."
Jn 20:22-23, "...He breathed upon them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.'"
Jn 21:15-17, "Simon, son
of John, dost thou love me?.....Feed My sheep."
Note! Jesus did not say
feed YOUR sheep. He said Feed MY sheep.
Acts 15:7, "And after a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, 'Brethren, you know that in early days GOD made choice among us, that through my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe."
Acts 16:4, "And as they passed through the cities, they delivered to the brethren for their observance the decisions arrived at by the Apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem."
1Thess 2:4, "But as approved by GOD to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak not as pleasing men, but GOD, who proves our hearts."
Heb 3:1, "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus, who is faithful to Him who made him..."
Jn 20:29, "Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed."
Gen 3:9, "But the Lord GOD called the man and said to him, 'Where are you'?"
1Sam 3:4, "And the Lord called Samuel. And he answered; 'Here I am'."
Acts 9:10, "...the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am Lord."
Lk 6:13, "And when day broke, He summoned His disciples; and from those He chose twelve, whom He also named Apostles."
Mk 3:13-14, And going up a mountain, He called to Him men of His own choosing, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them forth to preach."
Jn 15:16, "You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and have appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you ask the Father in My Name he may give you."
Jn 15:19, "If you were of the world, the world would love what is its own. But because you are not of this world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
Mt 10:1, "Then having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every kind of disease and infirmity."
Acts 13:2, "...the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Saul and Barnabas unto the work to which I have called them."
Acts 9:15, "But the Lord said to him, "Go, for this man is a chosen vessel for Me, to carry My Name among nations and kings and the children of Israel."
Eph 4:11, "And He Himself gave some men as Apostles, and some as Prophets, others again as Evangelists, and others as Pastors and teachers."
Acts 26:17-18, "...to whom I am now sending thee, to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of satan to GOD; that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me."
Acts 20:28, "Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as Bishops, to rule the Church of GOD, which He has purchased with His own blood."
Gal 1:1, "Paul, an Apostle, sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and GOD the Father who raised Him from the dead."
Acts 14:22, "And when they had appointed presbyters for them in each church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed."
Tit 2:15, "Thus speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no one despise thee."
1Cor 12:28, "And GOD indeed has placed some in the Church, first Apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers; after that miracles, then gifts of healing, services of help, power of administration, and the speaking of various tongues."
Lk 22:29-30, "And I appoint to you a kingdom, even as My Father has appointed to Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom; and you shall sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Lk 10:16, "He who hears you, hears Me; and he who rejects you, rejects Me; and he who rejects Me, rejects Him who sent Me."
1Thes 2:7, "Although as the apostles of Christ we could have claimed a position of honor among you, still while in your midst we were as children: as if a nurse were cherishing her own children..."
1Thes 3:2-3, "...and we sent Timothy, our brother and a servant of GOD in the Gospel of Christ, to strengthen and comfort you in your faith, lest any should be shaken by these tribulations. For yourselves know that we are appointed thereto."
1Thes 2:11, "Inasmuch as you are aware of how we entreated and comforted each one of you, acting towards you as a father towards his children."
1Thes 5:12-13, "Now we beseech you, brethren, to appreciate those who labor among you, and who are over you in the Lord and admonish you. Esteem them with a more abundant love on account of their work. Be at peace with them."
Heb 6:1-3, "Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching concerning Christ, let us pass on to things more perfect, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith towards GOD, of the doctrine of baptisms and the laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment.".
Psa 109:8, "...May another take up his duties."
Acts 1:20, "...And his ministry let another take."
Note! The Greek word used in this verse is "episkope" which means
"Bishop". In the Douay Rheims and the King James Bibles, the word used
is "Bishopric". Here we see that a Bishop is to replace an Apostle.
That is a prime example of Apostolic Succession.
Acts 20:32, "And now I commend you to GOD and to the Word of His grace, who is able to build up and to give the inheritance among all the sanctified.
1Chron 24:5, "And he divided both the families one with the other by lot; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of GOD..."
1Chron 25:8, "And they cast lots by their courses, the elder equally with the younger..."
1Chron 24:31, "And they also cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron before David the king, and Sadoc, and Ahimelech, and the princes of the priestly and Levitical families, both the elder and the younger. The lot divided all equally."
Lk 1:8-9, "Now it came to pass, while he was officiating in the order of his course as a priest before GOD, according to the customs of the priest's office, that he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense."
Acts 1:15-26, "In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, now in the number of persons met together was about a hundred and twenty,....And they drew lots between them, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
1Cor 3:10, "According to the grace of GOD which has been given to me, as a wise builder, I laid the foundation, and another builds thereon."
The 'Laying on of Hands' to convey authority and leadership is prefigured in the Old Testament.
Num 27:15-23, Then Moses said to the Lord, "May the Lord, the GOD of the spirits of all mankind, set over the community a man who shall act as their leader in all things, to guide them in all their actions; that the Lord's community may not be like sheep without a shepherd." And the Lord replied to Moses, "Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man of spirit, and lay your hands upon him. Have him stand in the presence of the priest Eleazar and of the whole community, and commission him before their eyes. Invest him with some of your own dignity, that the whole Israelite community may obey him. He shall present himself to the priest Eleazar, to have him seek out for him the decisions of the Urim in the Lord's presence; and as He directs, Joshua, all the Israelites with him, and the community as a whole shall perform all their actions." Moses did as the Lord had commanded him. Taking Joshua and having him stand in the presence of the priest Eleazar and of the whole community, he laid his hands on him and gave him his commission, as the Lord had directed through Moses."
Deut 34:9, "And Joshua, the son of Nun was full of the Spirit of Wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and he did as the Lord commanded Moses."
This same rite was practiced in the early Church and continues to this day. The Bishop, by the 'laying on of hands' , conveys a succession of Priests and Bishops with a commission, giving them the authority and the leadership needed to perpetuate the Church which Jesus Christ founded.
Acts 6:6, "These they set before the apostles, and after they had prayed they laid their hands upon them."
Acts 9:17, "...and laying his hands upon him, he said, "Brother Saul, the
Lord has sent me, Jesus, who appeared to thee on thy journey, that thou
mayest recover thy sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
A 'laying on of hands' is a
filling of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:17, "Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit."
Acts 19:6, " and when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy."
Acts 13:3, "Then having fasted and prayed and laid their hands upon them, they let them go."
2Tim 1:6, "For this reason I admonish thee to stir up the grace of GOD which is in thee by the laying on of my hands."
1Tim 4:14, "Do not neglect the grace that is in thee, granted to thee by reason of prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbyterate."
Acts 9:15-17, "But the Lord said to him, 'Go for this man is a chosen vessel to me, to carry My Name among nations and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for My Name'. So Ananias departed and entered the house, and laying his hands upon him, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me, Jesus, who appeared to thee on thy journey, that thou mayest recover thy sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit'."
Heb 6:1-3, "Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching concerning Christ, let us pass onto things more perfect, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith towards GOD, of the doctrine of Baptism and the laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment. AND THIS WE WILL DO IF GOD PERMITS."
Col 1:24-26, "I rejoice now in the sufferings I bear for your sake; and what is lacking of the sufferings of Christ I fill up in my flesh for His body which is the Church; whose minister I have become in virtue of the office that GOD has given to me in your regard. For I am to preach the Word of GOD fully, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations, but now is clearly shown to His Saints."
Eph 2:20, "You are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone."
Tit 1:5, "For this reason I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set right anything that is defective and shouldst appoint presbyters in every city, as I myself directed thee to do."
Jn 15:20,"Remember the Word I have spoken to you..."
2Tim 2:2, "...and the things that thou hast heard from me through many witnesses, commend to trustworthy men who shall be competent in turn to teach others."
2Tim 3:14, "But do thou
continue in the things that thou hast learned and that have been
entrusted
to thee, knowing of whom
thou hast learned them."
2Thess 2:15, "So then, brethren, stand firm, and hold the traditions that you have learned, whether by word or by letter of ours."
2Tim 1:13, "Hold to the form of sound teaching which thou hast heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."
1Cor 11:2, "Now I praise you, brethren, because in all things you are mindful of me and hold fast my precepts as I gave them to you."
1Thes 2:2, "But although we had previously experienced suffering and shameful treatment at Philippi, as you know, we had confidence in our GOD to preach to you the Gospel of GOD amid much anxiety."
Rom 10:14-15, "How then are they to call upon Him in whom they have not believed? But how are they to believe Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear if no one preaches? And how are men to preach unless they be sent?"
1Thes 3:10, "Night and day we pray more and more that we may see you again, and may supply those things that are lacking to your faith."
1Thes 5:14, "And we exhort you, brethren, reprove the irregular, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient towards all men."
1Pet 5:1-4, "Now I exhort the presbyters among you, I your fellow presbyter and witness of the sufferings of Christ, the partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed in time to come, tend the flock of GOD which is among you, governing not under constraint, but willingly, according to GOD; not yet for the sake of base gain, but eagerly; nor yet as lording it over your charges, but becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock. And when the Prince of the Shepherds appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."
Heb 13:7, "Remember your superiors, who spoke to you the Word of GOD. Consider how they ended their lives, and imitate their faith."
Heb 13:17, "Obey your superiors and be subject to them, for they keep watch as having to render an account of your souls; so that they may do this with joy, and not with grief, for that would not be expedient for you."
1Thess 5:12, "Now we beseech you, brethren, to appreciate those who labor among you, and who are over you."
Mt 16:15-19, "...'But who do you say that I am'? Simon Peter answered and said, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living GOD'. Then Jesus answered and said, 'Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to thee, but My Father in Heaven. And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.'"
Mt 18:17-18, "And if he refuse to hear them, appeal to the Church, but if he refuse to hear even the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the publican. Amen I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven."
Jn 14:15-17, "If you love Me, keep My commandments, and I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate to dwell with you forever, the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him."
Jn 16:23, "And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Amen, amen, I say to you, if you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it to you."
Eph 3:21, "To Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus down through all the ages of time without end. Amen."
Didache 15:1, "Elect for
yourselves, therefore, Bishops and Deacons worthy of the Lord..."
ST. CLEMENT OF ROME,
BISHOP AND APOSTOLIC FATHER OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. FIRST LETTER TO THE
CORINTHIANS 80 A.D.
CHAP. XLIV.--THE ORDINANCES
OF THE APOSTLES, THAT THERE MIGHT BE NO CONTENTION RESPECTING THE
PRIESTLY OFFICE.
"Our apostles also knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and there would be strife on account of the office of the episcopate. For this reason, therefore, inasmuch as they had obtained a perfect fore-knowledge of this, they appointed those [ministers] already mentioned, and afterwards gave instructions, that when these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed them in their ministry. We are of opinion, therefore, that those appointed by them, or afterwards by other eminent men, with the consent of the whole Church, and who have blamelessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and disinterested spirit, and have for a long time possessed the good opinion of all, cannot be justly dismissed from the ministry. For our sin will not be small, if we eject from the episcopate those who have blamelessly and holily fulfilled its duties. Blessed are those presbyters who, having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and perfect departure [from this world]; for they have no fear lest any one deprive them of the place now appointed them. But we see that ye have removed some men of excellent behaviour from the ministry, which they fulfilled blamelessly and with honour."
IRENAEUS, AGAINST
HERESIES 4,33,8, 180 A.D.
"The true gnosis is the
doctrine of the Apostles, and the ancient
organization of the Church throughout the whole world, and the
manifestation of the Body of Christ according to the successions of
Bishops, by which successions the Bishops have handed down the Church
which is found everywhere."
IRENAEUS, AGAINST
HERESIES 5,20,1, 180 A.D.
"For all these [heretics]
are of a much later date than are the
Bishops to whom the Apostles handed over the Churches."
CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA,
WHO IS THE RICH MAN THAT IS SAVED 42,2, 200 A.D.
"After the death of the
tyrant, the [Apostle John] came back to Ephesus from the island of
Patmos; and upon being invited, he went even to the neighboring cities
of the pagans, here to appoint Bishops,
there to set in order whole Churches, and there to ordain to the
clerical estate such as were designated by the Spirit."
FIRMILIAN BISHOP OF
CAESAREA, LETTER TO CYPRIAN 75,16, 255 A.D.
"Therefore the power of
forgiving sins was given to the Apostles and
to the Churches which these men, sent by Christ, established; and to
the Bishops who succeeded them by BEING ORDAINED IN THEIR PLACE."
TERTULLIAN, THE DEMURRER
AGAINST HERETICS 32,1, 200 A.D.
"Moreover, if there be any
(heresies) bold enough to plant themselves in the midst of the
apostolic age, so that they might seem to
be handed down by the Apostles... we can say to them: let them show the
origins of their churches, let them unroll the order of their bishops,
running down in succession from the beginning, so that their first
bishop shall have for author and predecessor some one of the Apostles
or of the apostolic men who continued steadfast with the Apostles."
TERTULLIAN, THE DEMURRER
AGAINST HERETICS 32,2-3, 200 A.D.
"For this is the way in
which the apostolic Churches transmit their lists: like the Church of
the Smyrneans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John;
like the Church of the Romans where Clement
was ordained by Peter. In just this same way the other Churches display
those whom they have as sprouts from the Apostolic seed, having been
established in the episcopate by the Apostles."
COUNCIL OF LAODICEA,
CANON 12, 343 A.D.
"That Bishops are to be
appointed to ecclesiastical leadership by the judgment of the
metropolitans and their surrounding Bishops, after they have been
examined at length as to their knowledge of the faith and quite frankly
as to their deportment."
This is only a small sampling of the early writings in support of Apostolic Succession. There are many more.
Baptism: Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:1-5, Acts
8:26-39, Rom 6:3-4, Eph 4:4-7.
Reconciliation: Matt 16:19, Luke 5:17-26, 7:36-50, 13:1-5, John
8:3-11, 20:23.
Confirmation: Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 8:14-20, 19:1-7, 2Cor 1:21-22, Eph
1:13.
Holy Eucharist: Malachi 1:11, Matt 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-27, Luke
22:19-20, John 6:All,
1Cor 11:17-29, Heb
7,8,9.
Matrimony: Gen 2:18-24, 1Cor 7:2-8, Eph 5:21-33
Holy Orders: Luke 5:1-11, John 1:35-39, 15:15-16, 20:19-23, Acts
6:3-6, 13:3, 1Cor 11:19-27,
2Tim 1:6, Heb 5:1-5,
1Pet 2:5-11.
Anointing of the Sick: Mark 6:13, 16:18, James 5:14-15.
"And they drew lots
between them, and the lot fell upon Matthias: and he was numbered with
the eleven Apostles." Acts 1:26
"And after a long debate, Peter got up and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in early days GOD made choice among us, that through MY mouth the Gentiles should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe." Acts 15:7-11
Right after Peter's
discourse in Acts 15:7-11, which was during the first Church council, the
Council of Jerusalem, the dissension within the council was abated.
"Then the whole meeting
quieted down and listened..." Acts 15:12
This is a prefigurement of the authority of the Pope, "Rome has spoken, the issue is settled."
"Now you are the body of Christ member for member. And GOD indeed has placed some in the Church, first Apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers; after that miracles, then gifts of healing, services of help, , and the speaking of various tongues." 1Cor 12:27-28
Eph 4:11-16: "And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love."
There is a
correspondence between the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and
teachers, and the vital organs of the Body of Christ. Every body has
vital organs, without which it cannot function. The lesser members are
essential, to be sure, but if they were cut off, the body would merely
be inconvenienced, not destroyed. As the body matures, the cells of the
vital organs reproduce their own cells; the heart, heart cells; the
liver, liver cells, the brain, brain cells, and so forth. They do so
with the material from other living cells: blood, genes, etc. So, as
long as the body lives, its hierarchal composition will continue. Without this hierarchal order there is
disorder. Lacking unity with the Body of Christ, "children" (used here
of the carnal) are out of control, not in its place and therefore not
functioning properly, remains immature. What member is connected
directly to the head? The body "builds itself up in love" while the
members are members of one another, Rom 12:5,
Eph 4:25. So, there must
always be a hierarchy in the Body of Christ, the Church. If the members are
members of one another, Rom 12:5, Eph 4:25, and the body "builds itself
up in love" and the body "fills the universe in all its parts", then
there is an intimate bond between all the members that is for their
upbuilding. This is the communion/intercession of saints.
Many thanks to Paul
Kamalsky for this contribution of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
"Yes, to me, the very
least of all saints, there was given this grace, to announce among the
Gentiles the good tidings of the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to
enlighten all men as to what is the dispensation of the mystery which
has been hidden from eternity in GOD, who created all things; in order
that through the Church there be made known to the Principalities and the
Powers in the heavens the manifold wisdom of GOD according to the
eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Eph
3:8-10
"I write these things to
thee hoping to come to thee shortly, but in order that thou mayest
know, if I am delayed, how to conduct thyself in the house of GOD,
which is the Church of the Living GOD, the pillar and mainstay of the truth." 1Tim 3:14-15
"And if he refuse to
hear them, appeal to the Church, but if he refuse to hear even the Church, let him be to
thee as the heathen and the publican." Matt 18:15-18.
Jesus Christ is the head of the Catholic Church...
We are the body...
"And all things He made
subject under His feet, and Him He gave as head over all the Church, which indeed is
His body, the completion of Him who fills all with all."
Eph 1:22
"...just as Christ is head of the Church, being Himself savior of the body." Eph 5:23
"But just as the Church is subject to
Christ, so also let wives be to their husbands in all things."
Eph 5:24
"Again, He is the head of His body, the Church." Col 1:18
"I fill up in my flesh
for His body, which is the Church." Col 1:24
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ
also loved the Church,
and delivered Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, cleansing
her in the bath of water by means of the Word; in order that He might
present to Himself the Church in all her glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any
such thing, but that she might be Holy and without blemish." Eph 5:25-27
"He who loves his own
wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh; on the
contrary he nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ also does the Church." Eph 5:29
"But Paul was harassing
the Church;
entering house after house,
and dragging out men and
women, he committed them to prison." Acts 8:3
"And falling to the ground,
he heard a voice saying to him,
"Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute Me"?" Acts 9:4
Who, or what was persecuted
in Acts 8:3? It was the Church. Who did Jesus say was being persecuted?
He said it was Himself. If you persecute His Church, you persecute Him.
"Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks and to the Church of GOD." 1Cor 10:32
"Have you not houses for your eating and drinking? Or do you despise the Church of GOD and put to shame the needy?" What am I to say to you? Am I to commend you? In this I do not commend you." 1Cor 11:22
"For I am the least of the Apostles, and am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of GOD." 1Cor 15:9
"For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism; how beyond all measure I persecuted the Church of GOD and ravaged it." Gal 1:13
"...as regards zeal, a persecutor of the Church of GOD." Philip 3:6
"Now I exhort you,
brethren, that you watch those who cause dissensions and scandals
contrary to the doctrine that you have learned, and avoid them." Rom
16:17
"But there is nothing concealed that WILL not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that WILL not be made known. For what you have said in darkness WILL be said in the light; and what you have whispered in the inner chambers WILL BE PREACHED ON THE HOUSETOPS." Luke 12:2-3
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He WILL TEACH you all things, and bring to your mind whatever I have said to you." John 14:26
"MANY THINGS YET I HAVE TO SAY TO YOU, BUT YOU CANNOT BEAR THEM NOW. But when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He WILL TEACH you all the truth. For He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He will hear, He WILL SPEAK, and the THINGS THAT ARE TO COME HE WILL DECLARE TO YOU." John 16:12-13
"And He Himself gave some men as Apostles, and some as Prophets, and others again as Evangelists, and others as Pastors and Teachers, IN ORDER TO PERFECT THE SAINTS FOR A WORK OF MINISTRY, FOR THE BUILDING UP OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, UNTIL WE ALL ATTAIN TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH AND OF THE DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, TO PERFECT MANHOOD, TO THE MATURE MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST. AND THIS HE HAS DONE THAT WE MAY BE NOW NO LONGER CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO AND CARRIED ABOUT BY EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE DEVISED IN THE WICKEDNESS OF MEN, IN CRAFTINESS, ACCORDING TO THE WILES OF ERROR. RATHER ARE WE TO PRACTICE THE TRUTH IN LOVE, AND GROW UP IN ALL THINGS IN HIM WHO IS THE HEAD, CHRIST. FOR FROM HIM THE WHOLE BODY (BEING CLOSELY JOINED AND KNIT TOGETHER THROUGH EVERY JOINT OF THE SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTIONING IN DUE MEASURE OF EACH SINGLE PART) DERIVES ITS INCREASE TO THE BUILDING UP OF ITSELF IN LOVE." Eph 4:11-16
"This grace has abounded beyond measure in us in all wisdom and prudence, so that HE MAY MAKE KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE HE PURPOSED IN HIM TO BE DISPENSED IN THE FULLNESS OF THE TIMES; TO RE-ESTABLISH ALL THINGS IN CHRIST, BOTH THOSE IN THE HEAVENS AND THOSE ON EARTH."Eph 1:8-10
"I fed you with milk, not with solid food, FOR YOU WERE NOT YET READY FOR IT. NOR ARE YOU NOW READY FOR IT, FOR YOU ARE STILL CARNAL." 1Cor 3:2
"For whereas by this time you ought to be masters, YOU NEED TO BE TAUGHT AGAIN THE RUDIMENTS OF THE WORDS OF GOD; AND YOU HAVE BECOME SUCH AS HAVE NEED OF MILK AND NOT OF SOLID FOOD. FOR EVERYONE WHO IS FED ON MILK IS UNSKILLED IN THE WORD OF JUSTICE; HE IS BUT A CHILD. BUT SOLID FOOD IS FOR THE MATURE, FOR THOSE WHO BY PRACTICE HAVE THEIR FACULTIES TRAINED TO DISCERN GOOD AND EVIL." Heb 5:12-14
"So then, every Scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder WHO BRINGS FORTH FROM HIS STOREROOM THINGS NEW AND OLD." Matt 13:52
"Now I exhort the presbyters among you - I, your fellow presbyter and witness of the sufferings of Christ, THE PARTAKER ALSO OF THE GLORY THAT IS TO BE REVEALED IN TIME TO COME..." 1Pet 5:1-2
"Another parable He set
before them saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard
seed, which a man took and sowed into his field. This indeed is the
smallest of all seeds; but when it grows up it is larger than any herb
and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and dwell in its
branches." Matt 13:31-32
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of the Lord, and their justice with Me, said the Lord." Isa 54:17
"And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matt 16:18
"And behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world." Matt 28:20
"And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate to dwell with you forever, the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you shall know Him, because He will dwell with you, and be in you." John 14:16-17
"Now, to him who is able to accomplish all things in a measure far beyond what we ask or conceive, in keeping with the power that is at work in us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus down through all the ages of time without end. Amen." Eph 3:21
"And he said to them, 'Men of Israel, take care of what you are about to do to these men. For some time ago there rose up Theodas, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain, and all his followers were dispersed and he was brought to nothing. After him rose up Judas the Galilean in the days of the census and drew some people after him; he too perished, and all of his followers were scattered abroad. So now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone. For if this plan or work is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of GOD, you will not be able to overthrow it. Else perhaps you may find yourselves fighting even against GOD'." Acts 5:35-39
Well, clearly, the Catholic Church is still
here after almost 2000 years. It has certainly been tried by many to
overthrow it from without and from within, almost without reprieve for
the entire two millennium. Jews, Romans, Vandals, Heretics, Islam,
Protestants, the French Revolution, Modernists, Hitler, Communists, and
many others, one group after another, have tried and failed, and yet
the Church still stands. It is the oldest, and the largest, and the
longest lasting institution on earth. Having said that, aren't you
compelled to agree that the Catholic
Church is of the work of GOD and not of men?
Despite all of this constant attack, the Catholic
Church has grown to well over one billion
(1,045,000,000*) members, or one sixth of the population of the entire
earth, as of January 2000.
(*official Church figure)
From this tiny acorn..
to this magnificent oak tree.
The oak tree has all of the qualities of the
acorn,
but the acorn does not have all of the qualities
of the oak tree.
The Catholic Church is the only Church which fits perfectly with the
pattern of the Early Church as portrayed by Holy Scripture. There is no
other Church which even comes close to matching it.
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