Nicene/Post-Nicene, Series II: Best Excerpts

Contained here are some of the choice excerpts of the Nicene/Post-Nicene (Series I) Historical Writings. While the other Historical Writings pages attempt to excerpt all of the passages from the 38-volume Edinburgh Series of the Church Fathers that relate to the bishopric of Rome and its interaction with the rest of the Church, and to the understanding of the early Church concerning who/what is the rock on which the Church is built, this page contains some of the choicest of those excerpts found in the second Nicene/Post-Nicene series.

Eusebius Pamphilus, circa 260 - 340

2. Then James, whom the ancients surnamed the Just on account of the excellence of his virtue, is recorded to have been the first to be made bishop of the church of Jerusalem....
3. But Clement in the sixth book of his Hypotyposes writes thus: "For they say that Peter and James and John after the ascension of our Saviour, as if also preferred by our Lord, strove not after honor, but chose James the Just bishop of Jerusalem."
4. But the same writer, in the seventh book of the same work, relates also the following things concerning him: "The Lord after his resurrection imparted knowledge to James the Just and to John and Peter, and they imparted it to the rest of the apostles, and the rest of the apostles to the seventy, of whom Barnabas was one....
The Church History of Eusebius, Book II, Chapter I, §§ 2, 3, 4

... But Hegesippus, who lived immediately after the apostles, gives the most accurate account in the fifth book of his Memoirs. He writes as follows: "James, the brother of the Lord, succeeded to the government of the Church in conjunction with the apostles....
The Church History of Eusebius, Book II, Chapter XXIII

After the martyrdom of Paul and of Peter, Linus was the first to obtain the episcopate of the church at Rome. Paul mentions him, when writing to Timothy from Rome, in the salutation at the end of the epistle.
The Church History of Eusebius, Book III, Chapter II

... As to the rest of his followers, Paul testifies that Crescens was sent to Gaul; but Linus, whom he mentions in the Second Epistle to Timothy as his companion at Rome, was Peter's successor in the episcopate of the church there, as has already been shown. Clement also, who was appointed third bishop of the church at Rome, was, as Paul testifies, his co-laborer and fellow-soldier....
The Church History of Eusebius, Book III, Chapter IV, § 6

... At that time Clement still ruled the church of Rome, being also the third that held the episcopate there after Paul and Peter. Linus was the first, and after him came Anencletus ... .
The Church History of Eusebius, Book III, Chapter XXI

... And at the same time Papias, bishop of the parish of Hierapolis, became well known, as did also Ignatius, who was chosen bishop of Antioch, second in succession to Peter, and whose fame is still celebrated by a great many....
The Church History of Eusebius, Book III, Chapter XXXVI

1. But the bishops of Asia, led by Polycrates, decided to hold to the old custom handed down to them. He himself, in a letter which he addressed to Victor and the church of Rome, set forth in the following words the tradition which had come down to him ... . He then writes of all the bishops who were present with him and thought as he did. His words are as follows: "I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude.... Thereupon Victor, who presided over the church at Rome, immediately attempted to cut off from the common unity the parishes of all Asia, with the churches that agreed with them, as heterodox; and he wrote letters and declared all the brethren there wholly excommunicate. But this did not please all the bishops. And they besought him to consider the things of peace, and of neighborly unity and love. Words of theirs are extant, sharply rebuking Victor. Among them was Irenaeus ... . He fittingly admonishes Victor ... .
¶ ... For neither could Anicetus [bishop of Rome] persuade Polycarp not to observe what he had always observed with John the disciple of our Lord, and the other apostles with whom he had associated; neither could Polycarp persuade Anicetus to observe it as he said that he ought to follow the customs of the presbyters that had preceded him.
The Church History of Eusebius, Book V, Chapter XXIV

7. In the fifth book of his Expositions of John's Gospel, he [Origen] speaks thus concerning the epistles of the apostles ... . And Peter, on whom the Church of Christ is built, 'against which the gates of hell shall not prevail,' has left one acknowledged epistle; perhaps also a second ... .
The Church History of Eusebius, Book VI, Chapter XXV

... The imperial decrees were published in the cities, containing the revocation of the acts against us in the following form:
¶ "The Emperor Caesar Galerius Valerius Maximinus, Invictus, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, conqueror of the Germans ... and the Emperor Caesar Flavius Valerius Constantinus, Pins, Felix, Invictus, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribune of the people ... and the Emperor Caesar Valerius Licinius, Pins, Felix, Invictus, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribune of the people the fourth time ... .
The Church History of Eusebius, Book VIII, Chapter XVII
{Showing the pagan origin of this office}

... the living temple which we all constitute ... which is well and surely built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the chief cornerstone being Jesus Christ himself ... .
The Church History of Eusebius, Book X, Chapter IV

EUSEBIUS ... . causes a Synod to be convened at Antioch in Syria ... . Maximus, however, bishop of Jerusalem ... did not attend ... . Neither was Julius, bishop of the great Rome, there, nor had he sent a substitute, although an ecclesiastical canon* commands that the churches shall not make any ordinances against the opinion of the bishop of Rome....
The Ecclesiastical History, by Socrates Scholasticus; Book II, Chapter VIII
{* regarding this 'canon', see note 8 of the Edinburg editors.}

... Julius first replied to the bishops who had written to him from Antioch, complaining of the acrimonious feeling they had evinced in their letter, and charging them with a violation of the canons, because they had not requested his attendance at the council*, seeing that the ecclesiastical law required that the churches should pass no decisions contrary to the views of the bishop of Rome ... .
The Ecclesiastical History, by Socrates Scholasticus; Book II, Chapter XVII
{* see note 29 of the Edinburg Editors.}

Thus Julian became emperor [Eastern, at Constantinople] ... . After this he no longer wore the mask of Christianity, but everywhere opened the pagan temples, offering sacrifice to the idols; and designating himself 'Pontifex Maximus,' gave permission to such as would to celebrate their superstitious festivals....
The Ecclesiastical History, by Socrates Scholasticus; Book III, Chapter I
{And now the bishop of Rome yet designates himself 'Pontifex Maximus', after the pagan pontifical high priest; and he also yet wears the mask of Christianity.}

... Constantine convened a synod at Nicaea ... . Of those who occupied the apostolic sees, the following participated in this conference: Macarius of Jerusalem, Eustathius, who already presided over the church of Antioch on the Orontes; and Alexander of Alexandria near Lake Mareotis. Julius, bishop of Rome, was unable to attend on account of extreme old age ... .
The Ecclesiastical History of Sozomen, Book I, Chapter XVII

Liberius having for the above reasons been deposed from the Roman church, his government was transferred to Felix, a deacon of the clergy there....
The Ecclesiastical History of Sozomen, Book IV, Chapter XI

The bishops who were then convened at Sirmium wrote to Felix, who governed the Roman church, and to the other bishops, desiring them to receive Liberius. They directed that both should share the apostolical throne ... . The people of Rome regarded Liberius as a very excellent man, and esteemed him highly ... . Felix survived but a short time; and Liberius found himself in sole possession of the church. This event was, no doubt, ordained by God, that the seat of Peter might not be dishonored by the occupancy of two bishops; for such an arrangement is a sign of discord, and is foreign to ecclesiastical law.
The Ecclesiastical History of Sozomen, Book IV, Chapter XV

... The bishop of Rome, on learning that this question was agitated with great acrimony ... wrote to the churches of the East and urged them to receive the doctrine upheld by the Western clergy; namely, that the three Persons of the Trinity are of the same substance and of equal dignity. The question having been thus decided by the Roman churches, peace was restored, and the inquiry appeared to have an end.
The Ecclesiastical History of Sozomen, Book VI, Chapter XXII

The emperor ... . proceeded to summon the celebrated council of Nicaea ... . Three hundred and eighteen bishops were assembled. The bishop of Rome, on account of his very advanced age, was absent, but he sent two presbyters to the council, with authority to agree to what was done.
The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret, Book I, Chapter VI

... our Lord Jesus Christ permitted the first of the apostles, whose confession He had fixed as a kind of groundwork and foundation of the Church ... .
Letters of the Blessed Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, LXXVII. To Eulalius, Bishop of Persian Armenia

... I beseech your sanctity, persuade the very sacred and holy archbishop [Leo, bishop of Rome] to bid me hasten to your council. For that holy see has precedence over all churches in the world, for many reasons; and above all for this, that it is free from all taint of heresy, and that no bishop of heterodox opinion has ever sat upon its throne, but it has kept the grace of the apostles undefiled....
Letters of the Blessed Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, CXVI. To the Presbyter Renatus

... Let us hear the words of the great Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Let us hear the Lord Christ confirming this confession, for "On this rock," He says, "I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Wherefore too the wise Paul, most excellent master builder of the churches, fixed no other foundation than this. "I," he says, "as a wise master builder have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." How then can they think of any other foundation, when they are bidden not to fix a foundation, but to build on that which is laid? The divine writer recognises Christ as the foundation ... .
Letters of the Blessed Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, CXLVI. To John the Oeconomus

Jerome, circa (340 - 347) - (419 - 420)

Simon Peter the son of John, from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee ... chief of the apostles, after having been bishop of the church of Antioch and having preached to the Dispersion ... in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia-pushed on to Rome ... and held the sacerdotal chair there for twenty-five years ... .
Lives of Illustrious Men, Chapter I

1. ... I think it my duty to consult the chair of Peter, and to turn to a church whose faith has been praised by Paul. I appeal for spiritual food to the church whence I have received the garb of Christ*....
2. ... My words are spoken to the successor of the fisherman, to the disciple of the cross. As I follow no leader save Christ, so I communicate with none but your blessedness, that is with the chair of Peter. For this, I know, is the rock on which the church is built!... I know nothing of Vitalis; I reject Meletius; I have nothing to do with Paulinus**....
The Letters of St. Jerome, Letter XV. To Pope Damasus, §§ 1, 2
{*It should be noted here that Jerome was schooled at Rome from the age of 12, and baptized there in 366, probably by 'Pope' Liberius. **This letter was written in 376 or 377. In 378 or 379 Jerome accepted ordination at Antioch from Paulinus, whom here he claims to disown. see: Brittanica, Jerome, Saint; Encarta, Jerome, Saint}

2. If, then, the apostle Peter, upon whom the Lord has founded the Church ... .
The Letters of St. Jerome, Letter XLI. To Marcella, § 2

26. ... But you say, the Church was founded upon Peter: although elsewhere the same is attributed to all the Apostles, and they all receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and the strength of the Church depends upon them all alike, yet one among the twelve is chosen so that when a head has been appointed, there may be no occasion for schism....
Against Jovinianus, Book I, § 26

I wish your reverence to know that our brother Anthimus has ordained Faustus, who is living with the pope* as bishop, without having received the votes, and in place of our right reverend brother Cyril. Thus he has filled Armenia with schisms....
Letter CXX, To Meletius, bishop of Antioch
{*The note of the Edinburg editors: "The title was not even at this time confined to bishops, and who this papa [pope] is is quite uncertain. The title is not generally limited to the bishop of Rome until the eighth century. So late as 680 Cyrus is called pope of Alexandria at the Sixth Council. (Mansi xi. 214.) It was not till 1073 that Gregory VII. asserted an exclusive right to the name. (Gieseler, vol. 1, 2, 405.)"}

Hilary of Poitiers, circa 300/315 (?) - 367/368

... Thus our one immovable foundation, our one blissful rock of faith, is the confession from Peter's mouth, Thou art the Son of the living God. On it we can base an answer to every objection with which perverted ingenuity or embittered treachery may assail the truth.
On the Trinity, Book II, § 23

... nor as if He was previously in being and afterwards born or created afresh to be a Son, a notion often condemned by thyself, blessed Pope*, publicly in the Church and in the assembly of the brethren....
On the Trinity, Book IV, § 12; also, Book VI, § 5
{* of Alexandria}

20. ... and blessed Simon, who after his confession of the mystery was set to be the foundation-stone of the Church, and received the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and all his companions who spoke by the Holy Ghost ... .
36. ... and the response, Thou art, is the believer's welcome to the truth. And this is the rock of confession whereon the Church is built....
37. This faith it is which is the foundation of the Church; through this faith the gates of hell cannot prevail against her. This is the faith which has the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever this faith shall have loosed or bound on earth shall be loosed or bound in heaven. This faith is the Father's gift by revelation ... . The very reason why he is blessed is that he confessed the Son of God. This is the Father's revelation, this the foundation of the Church ... .
On the Trinity, Book VI, §§ 20, 36, 37

Ambrose, 339/340 - 397

... So the Lord saith through Isaiah: "Behold, I lay a stone for a foundation in Sion." This means Christ as the foundation of the Church....
On the Duties of the Clergy, Book I, Chapter XXIX, § 142

105. ... For which reason, also, Peter in the Gospel is asked three times whether he loves the Lord, that by the threefold answer the bonds of the guilt he had contracted by denying the Lord might be loosed....
110. ... the Apostle Peter declared that the Church was built by the Holy Spirit. For you read that he said: "God, Which knoweth the hearts of men, bare witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as also to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." In which is to be considered, that as Christ is the Cornerstone ... .
On the Holy Spirit, Book II, Chapter X, §§ 105, 110

158. Nor was Paul inferior to Peter, though the latter was the foundation of the Church, and the former a wise builder knowing how to make firm the footsteps of the nations who believed; Paul was not, I say, unworthy of the fellowship of the apostles, but is easily comparable with the first, and second to none....
On the Holy Spirit, Book II, Chapter XIII, § 158

... esteeming that there can be no true thankfulness except it spring from true faith, he enquired whether he agreed with the Catholic bishops, that is, with the Roman Church?...
On the Decease of His Brother Saytrus, Book I, § 47

57. ... To the same Apostle, again, when on a former occasion he said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," He made answer: "Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build My Church, and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Could He not, then, strengthen the faith of the man to whom, acting on His own authority, He gave the kingdom, whom He called the Rock, thereby declaring him to be the foundation of the Church?...
Exposition of the Christian Faith, Book IV, Chapter V, §§ 57

2. It is Peter, chosen by the Lord Himself to feed His flock, who merits thrice to hear the words: "Feed My little lambs; feed My lambs; feed My sheep." And so, by feeding well the flock of Christ with the food of faith, he effaced the sin of his former fall. For this reason is he thrice admonished to feed the flock; thrice is he asked whether he loves the Lord, in order that he may thrice confess Him, Whom he had thrice denied before His Crucifixion.
Exposition of the Christian Faith, Book V, Prologue, § 2

Leo the Great, (390 - 400) - 461

I. ... He has placed the principal charge on the blessed Peter, chief of all the Apostles: and from him as from the Head wishes His gifts to flow to all the body: so that any one who dares to secede from Peter's solid rock may understand that he has no part or lot in the divine mystery. For He wished him who had been received into partnership in His undivided unity to be named what He Himself was, when He said: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church:" that the building of the eternal temple by the wondrous gift of GOD'S grace might rest on Peter's solid rock ... .
II. ... desiring to subject you to his power in such a way as not to suffer himself to be subject to the blessed Apostle Peter ... he diminishes even the reverence that is paid to the blessed Peter himself with his proud words: for not only was the power of loosing and binding given to Peter before the others, but also to Peter more especially was entrusted the care of feeding the sheep. Yet any one who holds that the headship must be denied to Peter, cannot really diminish his dignity: but is puffed up with the breath of his pride, and plunges himself into the lowest depth.
Letter X, To the Bishops of the Province of Vienne. In the Matter of Hilary, Bishop of Arles, §§ I, II
{Words of arrogance and pride here from the bishop of Rome, for the Headship does not belong to Peter: it belongs to Christ. See also I Corinthians 1.12-13, 3.21-23.}

III. ... Peter persevering in the strength of the Rock, which he has received, has not abandoned the helm of the Church, which he undertook. For he was ordained before the rest in such a way that from his being called the Rock, from his being pronounced the Foundation ... . And still to-day he more fully and effectually performs what is entrusted to him ... if anything is rightly done and rightly decreed by us, if anything is won from the mercy of GOD by our daily supplications, it is of his work and merits whose power lives and whose authority prevails in his See.... For throughout the Church Peter daily says, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living GOD," and every tongue which confesses the LORD, accepts the instruction his voice conveys....
Sermon III, § III

Gregory the Great, 540 - 604

We therefore interdict in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and forbid by the authority of the blessed Peter, Prince of the apostles, in whose stead we preside over this Roman Church ... .
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book II, Epistle XLI. To Castorius, Bishop

... it is right that you should have no further scruple of doubt with respect to the Church of the blessed Peter, Prince of the apostles: but persist ye in the true faith, and make your life firm on the rock of the Church; that is on the confession of the blessed Peter ... .
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book IV, Epistle XXXVIII. To Queen Theodelinda

¶ Lo, he received the keys of the heavenly kingdom, and power to bind and loose is given him, the care and principality of the whole Church is committed to him, and yet he is not called the universal apostle; while the most holy man, my fellow-priest John [bishop of Constantinople], attempts to be called universal bishop. I am compelled to cry out and say, O tempora, O mores!
¶ ... priests, who ought to lie weeping on the ground and in ashes, seek for themselves names of vanity, and glory in new and profane titles.
¶ ... If then any one in that Church takes to himself that name, whereby he makes himself the head of all the good, it follows that the Universal Church falls from its standing (which God forbid), when he who is called Universal falls. But far from Christian hearts be that name of blasphemy, in which the honour of all priests is taken away, while it is madly arrogated to himself by one.
¶ Certainly, in honour of Peter, Prince of the apostles, it was offered by the venerable synod of Chalcedon to the Roman pontiff. But none of them has ever consented to use this name of singularity, lest, by something being given peculiarly to one, priests in general should be deprived of the honour due to them. How is it then that we do not seek the glory of this title even when offered, and another presumes to seize it for himself though not offered?
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book V, Epistle XX. To Mauricius Augustus

... But, when this my brother with new presumption and pride calls himself universal bishop, having caused himself ... to be designated in synod by this so proud a title ... my aforesaid brother and fellow-priest is acting against evangelical principles and also against the blessed Apostle Peter, and against all the churches, and against the ordinances of the Canons....
¶ Still it is very distressing, and hard to be borne with patience, that my aforesaid brother and fellow-bishop, despising all others, should attempt to be called sole bishop. But in this pride of his what else is denoted than that the times of Antichrist are already near at hand? For in truth he is imitating him who, scorning social joy with the legions of angels, attempted to start up to a summit of singular eminence, saying, I will exalt my throne above the stars of heaven, I will sit upon the mount of the testament, in the sides of the North, and will ascend above the heights of the clouds, and I will be like the most High (Isai. xiv. 13).
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book V, Epistle XXI. To Constantina Augusta

... I confidently say that whosoever calls himself ... Universal Priest, is ... the precursor of Antichrist, because he proudly puts himself above all others....
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book VII, Epistle XXXIII. To Mauricius Augustus

Your most sweet Holiness has spoken much in your letter to me about the chair of Saint Peter, Prince of the apostles, saying that he himself now sits on it in the persons of his successors.... the See of the Prince of the apostles alone has grown strong in authority, which in three places is the See of one. For he himself exalted the See [Rome] in which he deigned even to rest and end the present life. He himself adorned the See [Alexandria] to which he sent his disciple as evangelist. He himself stablished the See [Antioch] in which, though he was to leave it, he sat for seven years. Since then it is the See of one, and one See, over which by Divine authority three bishops now preside ... .
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book VII, Epistle XL. To Eulogius, Bishop

Your Blessedness has also been careful to declare that you do not now make use of proud titles, which have sprung from a root of vanity ... . lo, in the preface of the epistle which you have addressed to myself who forbade it, you have thought fit to make use of a proud appellation, calling me Universal Pope.... do this no more ... . if your Holiness calls me Universal Pope, you deny that you are yourself what you call me universally.... Away with words that inflate vanity and wound charity.
¶ And, indeed, in the synod of Chalcedon and afterwards by subsequent Fathers, your Holiness knows that this was offered to my predecessors. And yet not one of them would ever use this title ... .
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book VIII, Epistle XXX. To Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria

... Praise therefore be to Him, to Him be glory in the highest, of whose gift the voice of Mark still cries aloud in the See* of Peter ... .
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book X, Epistle XXXV. Gregory to Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria
{* Alexandria}

... For I know that you, as a minister of the truth, a follower of Peter, and a preacher of Holy Church, would speak what ought to have been heard through the mouth of a teacher from the Apostle Peter's See.*
Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great, Book X, Epistle XXXIX. Gregory to Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria
{* Alexandria}

Ephraim the Syrian, born early 4th century, died 373

14. In the tenth year, let the mount Sinai glorify Him, it which trembled before its Lord. It saw that they took up stones against its Lord; He received stones, Who should build His Church upon a Stone. Blessed be His building!
Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh, Hymn XIII, § 14

19. The Scribes were silenced in envy, the Pharisees in jealousy.—Men of stone cried out and gave praise, who had a heart of stone.—They applauded in presence of the Stone, the rejected that has become the Head.—Stones were made flesh by that Stone, and obtained mouths to speak; stones cried out through that Stone. R.,Blessed be Thy Birth that has caused stones to cry out!
Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh, scroll to Hymn XVII, § 19

The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat, written 337 - 345

2. ... And know, my beloved, that in the foundations of the building stones are laid, and so resting upon stones the whole edifice rises until it is perfected. Thus also the true Stone, our Lord Jesus Christ, is the foundation of all our faith. And on Him, on [this] Stone faith is based. And resting on faith all the structure rises until it is completed. For it is the foundation that is the beginning of all the building. For when any one is brought nigh unto faith, it is laid for him upon the Stone, that is our Lord Jesus Christ. And his building cannot be shaken by the waves, nor can it be injured by the winds. By the stormy blasts it does not fall, because its structure is reared upon the rock of the true Stone. And in this that I have called Christ the Stone, I have not spoken, of my own thought, but the Prophets beforehand called Him the Stone....
3. And now hear concerning faith that is based upon the Stone, and concerning the structure that is reared up upon the Stone....
4. ... For first he builds his building on the Stone, which is Christ. On Him, on the Stone, is faith based, and on faith is reared up all the structure.... All these things does the faith demand that is based on the rock of the true Stone, that is Christ....
6. But I must proceed to my former statement that Christ is called the Stone in the Prophets. For in ancient times David said concerning Him:-The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the building. And how did the builders reject this Stone which is Christ? How else than that they so rejected Him before Pilate and said-This man shall not be King over us.... By these things they rejected the Stone which is Christ. And how did it become the head of the building? How else than that it was set up over the building of the Gentiles and upon it is reared up all their building.... And furthermore Isaiah also prophesied beforehand with regard to this stone. For he said:-Thus saith the Lord, Behold I lay in Zion a chosen stone in the precious corner, the heart of the wall of the foundation. And he said again there:-Every one that believeth on it shall not fear. And whosoever falleth on that stone shall be broken, and every one on whom it shall fall, it will crush....
7. And He shows thus with regard to that stone that it was laid as head of the wall and as foundation. But if that stone was laid as the foundation, how did it also become the head of the wall? How but that when our Lord came, He laid His faith in the earth like a foundation, and it rose above all the heavens like the head of the wall and all the building was finished with the stones, from the bottom to the top....
8. And again Daniel also spoke concerning this stone which is Christ. For he said:-The stone was cut out from the mountain, not by hands, and it smote the image, and the whole earth was filled with it.... And again the Prophet Zechariah also prophesied about that stone which is Christ. For he said:-I saw a chief stone of equably and of love....
9. And definitely did He show concerning this stone:-Lo! on this stone will I open seven eyes. And what then are the seven eyes that were opened on the stone? Clearly the Spirit of God that abode on Christ with seven operations, as Isaiah the Prophet said:-The Spirit of God shall rest and dwell upon Him, (a spirit) of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and of courage, of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. These were the seven eyes that were opened upon the Stone, and these are the seven eyes of the Lord which look upon all the earth.
17. ... And also Simon who was called Cephas because of his faith was called the firm rock ... .
19. ... These then are the works of the faith which is based on the true Stone which is Christ, on Whom the whole building is reared up.
Select Demonstrations, Demonstration I, §§ 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 19

10. ... Moses brought out water from the rock for his people; and Jesus sent Simon Cephas (the rock) to carry His doctrine among the nations....
13. ... David handed over the kingdom to Solomon, and was gathered to his people; and Jesus handed over the keys to Simon, and ascended and returned to Him who sent Him....
Select Demonstrations, Demonstration XXI, §§ 10, 13

The First Ecumenical Council; The First Council of Nice; 325

LET the ancient customs in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis prevail, that the Bishop of Alexandria have jurisdiction in all these, since the like is customary for the Bishop of Rome also. Likewise in Antioch and the other provinces, let the Churches retain their privileges....
The Canons of the 318 Holy Fathers Assembled in the City of Nicaea, in Bithynia, Canon VI

The Second Ecumenical Council. The First Council of Constantinople; 381

{This council was summoned by the Eastern emperor Theodisius I, and attended by 150 Eastern bishops. The bishop of Rome was neither invited, nor did he attend, in person or by legates.}

To the right honourable lords our right reverend brethren and colleagues, Damasus*, Ambrosius, Britton, Valerianus, Ascholius, Anemius, Basilius and the rest of the holy bishops assembled in the great city of Rome, the holy synod of the orthodox bishops assembled at the great city of Constantinople sends greeting in the Lord.
Council of Constantinople: the Synodical Letter
{* bishop of Rome}

The Third Ecumenical Council.; The Council of Ephesus; 431

... "Peter the head and pillar of the Faith, and foundation of the Catholic Church, and by Christ's authority administering the keys, who to this very time lives ever, and exercises judgment, in his successors."...
Philip, legate of Celestine at the Council, Historical Introduction, ¶ 14

¶ Philip, presbyter and legate of the Apostolic See said: We offer our thanks to the holy and venerable Synod, that when the writings of our holy and blessed pope had been read to you ... ye joined yourselves to the holy head also by your holy acclamations. For your blessedness is not ignorant that the head of the whole faith, the head of the Apostles, is blessed Peter the Apostle.* And ... we ask that ye give order that there be laid before us what things were done in this holy Synod before our arrival; in order that according to the opinion of our blessed pope and of this present holy assembly, we likewise may ratify their determination.
¶ Theodotus, the bishop of Ancyra said: The God of the whole world has made manifest the justice of the judgment pronounced by the holy Synod by the writings of the most religious bishop Coelestine ... . For ye have made manifest the zeal of the most holy and reverend bishop Coelestine, and his care for the pious faith. And ... your reverence will be fully convinced of the justice of the sentence ... and the symphony of the faith which the most pious and holy bishop Coelestine has proclaimed with a great voice ... .
Extracts from the Acts. Session II (Continued)
{* In this statement is a clear example of the offence and arrogance of the papacy. The apostle Peter would have been rightly offended at such a statement, for it is Christ who is the Head of the Church and of our faith. It is to Him that Peter directed us (I Peter 2.1-6).}

Juvenal the bishop of Jerusalem said to ... to Philip ... . you demanded after the reading of the letter of the most holy and blessed bishop of Great Rome, Coelestine, that the minutes made in the Acts with regard to the deposition of Nestorius the heretic should be read. And thereupon the Synod ordered this to be done....
¶ Philip the presbyter and legate of the Apostolic See said ... . the same should now again be read to us also; so that we may follow the formula of the most holy pope Coelestine ... and may be able to confirm the judgment.
¶ Philip ... legate of the Apostolic See said: ... it has been known in all ages, that ... Peter, prince ... and head of the Apostles, pillar of the faith, and foundation ... of the Catholic Church, received the keys of the kingdom from our Lord Jesus Christ ... and that to him was given the power of loosing and binding sins*: who down even to to-day and forever both lives and judges in his successors. The holy and most blessed pope Coelestine ... is his successor and holds his place, and us he sent to supply his place in this holy synod, which the most humane and Christian Emperors have commanded to assemble ... .
¶ Cyril, the bishop of Alexandria said: The professions which have been made by Arcadius and Projectus ... as also by Philip ... of the Roman Church, stand manifest to the holy Synod. For they have made their profession in the place of the Apostolic See, and of the whole of the holy synod ... of the West. Wherefore let those things which were defined by the most holy Coelestine, the God-beloved bishop, be carried into effect ... .
Extracts from the Acts. Session III
{Yet, in Matthew 18.18 and John 20.21-23, this power was given to all the disciples.}

The Fourth Ecumenical Council; The Council of Chalcedon; 451

{This council was convoked by the emperor Marcian, and attended by about 520 bishops or their legates.}

Paschasinus ... legate of the Apostolic See ... said: We received directions at the hands of the most blessed and apostolic bishop of the Roman city, which is the head of all the churches, which directions say that Dioscorus is not to be allowed a seat in this assembly, but that if he should attempt to take his seat he is to be cast out. This instruction we must carry out; if now your holiness so commands let him be expelled or else we leave.
¶ The most glorious judges and the full senate said: What special charge do you prefer against the most reverend bishop Dioscorus?
¶ Paschasinus ... holding the place of the Apostolic See, said: We cannot go counter to the decrees of the ... bishop ["Pope" for "bishop" in the Latin], who governs the Apostolic See, nor against the ecclesiastical canons nor the patristic traditions.
¶ And when Dioscorus the most religious bishop of Alexandria at the bidding of the most glorious judges and of the sacred assembly ... had sat down in the midst, and the most reverend Roman bishops also had sat down in their proper places, and kept silence, Eusebius, the most reverend bishop of the city of Dorylaeum, stepping into the midst, said:
Extracts from the Acts. Session I

Wherefore the most holy and blessed Leo, archbishop of the great and elder Rome, through us, and through this present most holy synod together with the thrice blessed and all-glorious Peter the Apostle, who is the rock and foundation of the Catholic Church, and the foundation of the orthodox faith....
Extracts from the Acts, Session III

Paschasinus and Lucentius ... and Boniface ... vicars of the Apostolic See of Rome, said: If they do not agree to the letter of that apostolic and blessed man, Pope Leo, give directions that we be given our letters of dismission, and let a synod be held there [i. e. in the West].
Extracts from the Acts, Session V

Aetius, the archdeacon of the most holy Church of Constantinople, said: If on this subject they had received any commands, let them be brought forward.
¶ Bonifacius, a presbyter and vicar of the Apostolic See, said: The most blessed and Apostolic Pope, among other things, gave us this commandment. And he read from the chart, "The rulings of the holy fathers shall with no rashness be violated or diminished. Let the dignity of our person in all ways be guarded by you. And if any, influenced by the power of his own city, should undertake to make usurpations, withstand this with suitable firmness."
¶ The most glorious judges said: Let each party quote the canons.
¶ Paschasinus, the most reverend bishop and representative, read: Canon Six of the 318 holy fathers, "The Roman Church hath always had the primacy. Let Egypt therefore so hold itself that the bishop of Alexandria have the authority over all, for this is also the custom as regards the bishop of Rome....*
¶ Constantine, the secretary, read from a, book handed him by Aetius, the archdeacon; Canon Six of the 318 holy Fathers. "Let the ancient customs prevail, those of Egypt,
Extracts from the Acts Session XVI
{* The representative from Rome here giving a false quote of the canon, to which the secretary responds with a correct quote. For more, click on the link, and read the notes following the quote.}

... we also do enact and decree the same things concerning the privileges of the most holy Church of Constantinople, which is New Rome. For the Fathers rightly granted privileges to the throne of old Rome, because it was the royal city. And the One Hundred and Fifty most religious Bishops, actuated by the same consideration, gave equal privileges (isa presbeia) to the most holy throne of New Rome, justly judging that the city which is honoured with the Sovereignty and the Senate, and enjoys equal privileges with the old imperial Rome, should in ecclesiastical matters also be magnified as she is, and rank next after her ... .
The XXX Canons of the Holy and Fourth Synods, of Chalcedon, Canon XXVIII

The Fifth Ecumenical Council. The Second Council of Constantinople; 553

... He [Vigilius], however, said to us: "You now know that I have made the document." But we, bishops, answered him: "If your blessedness is willing to meet together with us and the most holy Patriarchs, and the most religious bishops ... we will hold thee as our head, as a farmer and primate. But if ... . And when his Piety [the emperor] had heard this, he commanded ... to carry back this message to ... Vigilius: "We invited him (you) to meet together ... . But since you have refused to do this, and you say that you alone have written by yourself somewhat on the Three Chapters; if you have condemned them, in accordance with those things which you did before, we have already many such statements and need no more; but if you have written now something contrary to these things which were done by you before, you have condemned yourself by your own writing, since you have departed from orthodox doctrine and have defended impiety. And how can you expect us to receive such a document from you?"
¶ Constantine, the most glorious Quaestor, said: ... the most pious Emperor has sent ... to your Holy Synod, concerning the name of Vigilius, that it be no more inserted in the holy diptychs of the Church, on account of the impiety which he defended. Neither let it be recited by you, nor retained, either in the church of the royal city, or in other churches ... .
¶ The holy Synod said: What has seemed good to the most pious Emperor is congruous to the labours which he bears for the unity of the churches. Let us preserve unity to (ad) the Apostolic See of the most holy Church of ancient Rome, carrying out all things according to the tenor of what has been read....
Extracts from the Acts. Session VII

{As it is not possible to briefly convey the substance of The Sentence of the Synod with excerpts, I will briefly summarize it as it relates to Vigilius, bishop of Rome: The synod met for the purpose of passing judgment on the teachings of certain heretics. Vigilius had often condemned them, both orally and in writing. However, he also promised in writing to meet together with the synod, which he then refused to do. The sentence of the synod begins by comparing Vigilius with the slothful servant who hid his one talent; and then goes on with several examples of previous councils, and examples of the apostles, showing that it was always and only after meeting together as a body that they made far-reaching decisions, or passed judgments. They then went on to hold discussions and to pass judgment without him.}

The Sixth Ecumenical Council; The Third Council of Constantinople; 680-81

... the true confession thereof for which Peter was pronounced blessed by the Lord of all things, was revealed by the Father of heaven, for he received from the Redeemer of all himself, by three commendations, the duty of feeding the spiritual sheep of the Church; under whose protecting shield, this Apostolic Church of his has never turned away from the path of truth in any direction of error, whose authority, as that of the Prince of all the Apostles, the whole Catholic Church, and the Ecumenical Synods have faithfully embraced, and followed in all things; and all the venerable Fathers have embraced its Apostolic doctrine ... .
¶ ... since it is the Lord and Saviour of all, whose faith it is, that promised that Peter's faith should not fail and exhorted him to strengthen his brethren, how it is known to all that the Apostolic pontiffs, the predecessors of my littleness, have always confidently done this very thing ... .
¶ ... the orthodox faith, which has been established upon the firm rock of this Church of blessed Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, which by his grace and guardianship remains free from all error ... .
The Letter of Agatho, Pope of Old Rome, to the Emperor

... But the names of those men whose doctrines we execrate must also be thrust forth from the holy Church of God, namely, that of ... all of whom we define are to be subjected to anathema. And with these we define that there shall be expelled from the holy Church of God and anathematized Honorius who was some time Pope of Old Rome, because of what we found written by him to Sergius, that in all respects he followed his view and confirmed his impious doctrines....
The Sentence Against the Monothelites. Session XIII

To Theodore of Pharan, the heretic, anathema! To Sergius, the heretic, anathema! To Cyrus, the heretic, anathema! To Honorius [bishop of Rome], the heretic, anathema! To Pyrthus, the heretic, anathema!
Extracts from the Acts. Session XVI

But as the author of evil ... has not desisted, but in like manner now, having found suitable instruments for working out his will (we mean ... and moreover, Honorius who was Pope of the elder Rome ...), has actively employed them in raising up for the whole Church the stumbling-blocks ... .
The Definition of Faith

... but we cast out of the Church and rightly subject to anathema ... with them Honorius, who was the ruler ... of Rome, as he followed them in these things....
The Prosphoneticus to the Emperor

The Canons of the Council in Trullo; Often Called the Quinisext Council; 692 (?)

... that piety may be clearly set forth by us and that the Church of which Christ is the foundation may be continually increased and advanced ... .
¶ ... Also we agree to guard untouched the faith of the Sixth Holy Synod ... . This council ... condemned by a just sentence those who adulterated the true doctrine ... to wit ... Honorius [bishop] of Rome ... .
Canon I

Premising, therefore, our due regards to you [Roman bishop], we earnestly conjure you, that for the future you do not readily admit to a hearing persons coming hence, nor choose to receive to your communion those who have been excommunicated by us, because you, venerable Sir, will readily perceive that this has been prescribed even by the Nicene council.... lest those who had been suspended from communion in their own Province might seem to be restored to communion hastily or unfitly by your Holiness.... unless it be imagined that God can inspire a single individual with justice, and refuse it to an innumerable multi-tude of bishops (sacerdotum) assembled in council.... with regard to what you have sent us by the same our brother bishop Faustinus, as being contained in the Nicene Council, we can find nothing of the kind in the more authentic copies of that council ... . Moreover whoever desires you to delegate any of your clergy to execute your orders, do not comply, lest it seem that we are introducing the pride of secular dominion into the Church ... .
The Canons of the CCXVII Blessed Fathers Who Assembled at Carthage, 418-19; Canon CXXXVIII

For no one [of us*] has set himself up [to be] bishop [of bishops*], or attempted with tyrannical dread to force his colleagues to obedience to him, since every bishop has, for the license of liberty and power, his own will, and as he cannot be judged by another, so neither can he judge another. But we await the judgment of our universal Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ, who one and alone hath the power, both of advancing us in the governance of his Church, and of judging of our actions [in that position].
The Synod Held at Carthage Over Which Presided the Great and Holy Martyr Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage.a.d. 257
{* These words are omitted in Zonaras's Greek.}

... for that there is both one Baptism, and one Holy Ghost, and one Church, founded by Christ the Lord upon Peter ... .
Epistle LXX

The Seventh Ecumenical Council. The Second Council of Nice, 787

... we consulted with them who was worthy to be exalted to the chair of the Priesthood of this Royal and God-preserved city [Constantinople]; and they all with one heart and soul gave their vote in favour of Tarasius -- he who now occupies the Pontifical Presidency.... but he would by no means consent ... . When he found how urgent we were with him, he told us the cause of his refusal. It is (said he) because I perceive that the Church which has been founded on the rock, Christ our God, is rent and torn asunder by schisms ... . moreover, I should demand that an Ecumenical Council should be held, at which should be found Legates from the Pope of Rome and from the Chief Priests of the East....
The Imperial Sacra. Read at the First Session

Wherefore I, Basil, bishop of the city of Ancyra, proposing to be united to the Catholic Church, and to Hadrian the most holy Pope of Old Rome, and to Tarasius the most blessed Patriarch [of Constantinople], and to the most holy apostolic sees, to wit, Alexandria, Antioch, and the Holy City, as well as to all orthodox high-priests and priests ... .
Extracts from the Acts. Session I

... following the traditions of the orthodox Faith, you embrace the judgment of the Church of blessed Peter, chief of the Apostles, and, as of old your predecessors the holy Emperors acted, so you, too, venerating it with honour, love with all your heart his Vicar, and if your sacred majesty follow by preference their orthodox Faith, according to our holy Roman Church. May the chief of the Apostles himself, to whom the power was given by our Lord God to bind and remit sins in heaven and earth, be often your protector, and trample all barbarous nations under your feet, and everywhere make you conquerors. For let sacred authority lay open the marks of his dignity, and how great veneration ought to be shewn to his, the highest See, by all the faithful in the world....
¶ ... And especially if you follow the tradition of the orthodox Faith of the Church of the holy Peter and Paul, the chief Apostles, and embrace their Vicar, as the Emperors who reigned before you of old both honoured their Vicar, and loved him with all their heart: and if your sacred majesty honour the most holy Roman Church of the chief Apostles ... .
For the holy and chief Apostles themselves, who set up the Catholic and orthodox Faith, have laid it down as a written law that all who after them are to be successors of their seats, should hold their Faith and remain in it to the end of the kingdom of heaven as chief over all, and by Him is he honoured with this privilege, by which the keys of the kingdom of heaven are entrusted to him. He, therefore, that was preferred with so exalted an honour was thought worthy to confess that Faith on which the Church of Christ is founded.... For the blessed Peter himself, the chief of the Apostles, who first sat in the Apostolic See, left the chiefship of his Apostolate, and pastoral care, to his successors, who are to sit in his most holy seat for ever. And that power of authority, which he received from the Lord God our Saviour, he too bestowed and delivered by divine command to the Pontiffs, his successors, etc.
¶ We greatly wondered that in your imperial commands, directed for the Patriarch of the royal city, Tarasius, we find him there called Universal: but we know not whether this was written through ignorance or schism, or the heresy of the wicked. But henceforth we advise your most merciful and imperial majesty, that he be by no means called Universal in your writings, because it appears to be contrary to the institutions of the holy Canons and the decrees of the traditions of the holy Fathers. For he never could have ranked second, save for the authority of our holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, as is plain to all. Because if he be named Universal, above the holy Roman Church which has a prior rank, which is the head of all the Churches of God, it is certain that he shews himself as a rebel against the holy Councils, and a heretic. For, if he is Universal, he is recognized to have the Primacy even over the (Church of our See, which appears ridiculous to all faithful Christians: because in the whole world the chief rank and power was given to the blessed Apostle Peter by the Redeemer of the world himself; and through the same Apostle, whose place we unworthily hold, the holy Catholic and Apostolic Roman Church holds the first rank, and the authority of power, now and for ever, so that if any one, which we believe not, has called him, or assents to his being called Universal, let him know that he is estranged from the orthodox Faith, and a rebel against our holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Part of Pope Hadrians Letter
{Hadrian is clearly more interested in exalting himself and his position, than Christ.}

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