sign in sign up
<<
Home , Apostolic succession, Apostolic Tradition, Pope Clement XIII

Behold The Truth Discovering the What & Why of the Faith beholdthetruth.com

21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION As taught in the ’s historical writings, from the time of the down to today

—ca. 67 A.D., The Peter is martyred in the their faith, or go beyond the bounds set by the Circus of Nero in and buried on Vatican fathers. Then the reverence taught by the Law hill is hymned, and the grace given to the Prophets is recognized, and the faith of the is ca. 96— Clement, fourth of made secure, and the tradition of the apostles Rome, of the Apostles Peter and is maintained, and the grace of the Church Paul, Letter to the Corinthians exults. —— 42:3-4 Receiving their instructions and being ca. 130—Saint Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, full of confidence on account of the disciple of the Apostle John, Explanation of resurrection of our Lord Christ, and the Sayings of confirmed in faith by the word of God, they I shall not hesitate to set down for you along [i.e., the Apostles] went forth in the complete with my interpretations whatever I learned well assurance of the , preaching the from the and recall clearly, being good news that the Kingdom of God is coming. thoroughly confident of their truth. Unlike Through countryside and city they preached; most people, I do not delight in those who talk and they appointed their earliest converts, a great deal, but in those who teach the truth; testing them by the Spirit, to be the and nor in those who relate the commandments of of future believers. … others, but in those who relate the commandments given by the Lord to the faith, 44:1-2 Our Apostles knew through our Lord and which are derived from Truth itself. And Jesus Christ that there would be strife for the then too, when anyone came along who had office of bishop. For this reason, therefore, been a follower of the presbyters, I would having received perfect foreknowledge, they inquire about the presbyters’ discourses: what appointed those who have already been was said by Andrew, or by Peter, or by Philip, mentioned, and afterwards added the further or by Thomas or James, or by John or Matthew, provision that, if they should die, other or by any other of the Lord’s disciples; and approved men should succeed to their what Aristion and the John, the ministry. disciples of the Lord, say. It did not seem to me —ca. 100, Death of Saint John, the last of the that I could get so much profit from the Apostles contents of books as from a living and abiding voice ( Pamphilus, History of the ca. 125—Letter to Diognetus Church 3:39:3-4). 11 I am not speaking of things that are strange to me, nor is my undertaking unreasonable, for ca. 185—Saint , Bishop of Lyons, I have been a disciple of apostles, and now I disciple of Saint of Smyrna, am becoming a teacher of the Gentiles. … [The Against ] is the eternal one, who today is —Apostolic Succession— accounted a Son, by whom the Church is made 1:10:2 As I said before, the Church, having rich and grace is multiplied as it unfolds among received this preaching and this faith, although the —the grace that gives understanding, she is disseminated throughout the whole makes mysteries plain, announces seasons, world, yet guarded it, as if she occupied but rejoices in believers, is given freely to seekers, one house. She likewise believes these things that is, to such as do not break the pledges of just as if she had but one soul and one and the BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 2

same heart; and harmoniously she proclaims 3:3:3 The blessed Apostles [Peter and Paul], them and teaches them and hands them down, having founded and built up the Church [of as if she possessed but one mouth. For, while Rome], they handed over the office of the the languages of the world are diverse, episcopate to Linus. Paul makes mention of nevertheless, the authority of the tradition is this Linus in the [Second] Epistle to Timothy one and the same. (4:21). To him succeeded Anacletus; and after him, in the third place from the Apostles, Neither do the Churches among the Germans Clement was chosen for the episcopate. He had believe otherwise or have another tradition, seen the blessed Apostles and was acquainted nor do those among the Iberians, nor among with them. It might be said that he still heard the Celts, nor away in the East, nor in , the echoes of the preaching of the Apostles, nor in Libya, nor those which have been and had their traditions before his eyes. And established in the central regions of the world. not only he, for there were many still But just as the sun, that creature of God, is one remaining who had been instructed by the and the same throughout the whole world, so Apostles. also the preaching of the truth shines everywhere and enlightens all men who desire In the time of Clement, no small dissension to come to a knowledge of truth. … having arisen among the brethren in Corinth, the Church in Rome sent a very strong letter to Nor will any of the rulers in the Churches, the Corinthians, exhorting them to peace and whatever his power of eloquence, teach renewing their faith. … To this Clement, otherwise, for no one is above the teacher Evaristus succeeded; and Alexander succeeded (Matt. 10:24; Luke 6:40); nor will he who is weak Evaristus. Then, sixth after the Apostles, Sixtus in speaking detract from the tradition. For the was appointed; after him, Telesphorus, who faith is one and the same, and cannot be also was gloriously martyred. Then Hyginus; amplified by one who is able to say much after him, Pius; and after him, Anicetus. Soter about it, nor can it be diminished by one who succeeded Anicetus, and now, in the twelfth can say but little. … place after the Apostles, the lot of the 3:3:1 It is possible, then, for everyone in every episcopate has fallen to Eleutherus. In this Church, who may wish to know the truth, to order, and by the teaching of the Apostles contemplate the tradition of the Apostles which handed down in the Church, the preaching of has been made known throughout the whole the truth has come down to us. … world. And we are in a position to enumerate 3:4:1 When, therefore, we have such proofs, it is those who were instituted bishops by the not necessary to seek among others the truth Apostles, and their successors to our own which is easily obtained from the Church. For times: men who neither knew nor taught the Apostles, like a rich man in a bank, anything like these heretics rave about. … deposited with her most copiously everything —Apostolic Succession— which pertains to the truth; and everyone 3:3:2 But since it would be too long to whosoever wishes draws from her the drink of enumerate in such a volume as this the life (Rev. 22:17). For she is the to life, successions of all the Churches, we shall while all the rest are thieves and robbers. That confound all those who, in whatever manner, is why it is surely necessary to avoid them, whether through self-satisfaction or vainglory, while cherishing with the utmost diligence the or through blindness and wicked opinion, things pertaining to the Church, and to lay hold assemble other than where it is proper, by of the tradition of truth. What then? If there pointing out here the successions of the should be a dispute over some kind of bishops of the greatest and most ancient question, ought we not have recourse to the Church known to all, founded and organized at most ancient Churches in which the Apostles Rome by the two most glorious Apostles, Peter were familiar, and draw from them what is and Paul, that Church which has the tradition clear and certain in regard to that question? and the faith which comes down to us after What if the Apostles had not in fact left writings having been announced to men by the to us? Would it not be necessary to follow the Apostles. For with this Church, because of its order of tradition, which was handed down to origin, all Churches must agree, that those to whom they entrusted the Churches? is, all the faithful in the whole world; and it is in … her that the faithful everywhere have maintained the Apostolic tradition. … BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 3

3:24:1 The preaching of the Church truly received from the apostles, the apostles from continues without change and is everywhere Christ, Christ from God. It remains, then, that the same, and has the testimony of the we demonstrate whether this doctrine of ours, Prophets and the Apostles and all their of which we have now given the rule, has its disciples. … In the Church, God has placed origin in the tradition of the apostles, and apostles, prophets and doctors, and all the whether all other doctrines do not ipso facto other means through which the Spirit works proceed from falsehood. We hold communion (1 Cor. 12:28); in all of which none have any with the apostolic churches because our part who do not conform to the Church. … For doctrine is in no respect different from theirs. where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; This is our witness of truth. … and where the Spirit of God, there the Church 28:1 Grant, then, that all have erred; that the and every grace. The Spirit, however, is Truth. apostle was mistaken in giving his testimony; … that the Holy Ghost had no such respect to any 4:26:2 It is necessary to obey those who are the one (church) as to lead it into truth, although presbyters in the Church, those who, as we sent with this view by Christ (cf. John 14:26), have shown, have succession from the and for this asked of the Father that He might Apostles; those who have received, with the be the teacher of truth (cf. John 15:26); grant, succession of the episcopate, the sure charism also, that He, the Steward of God, the Vicar of of truth [i.e., the gift of infallibility] according to Christ [i.e., the Holy Spirit], neglected His office, the good pleasure of the Father. But the rest, permitting the churches for a time to who have no part in the primitive succession understand differently, (and) to believe and assemble wheresoever they will, must be differently, what He Himself was preaching by held in suspicion. the apostles,—is it likely that so many churches, and they so great, should have gone ca. 200—, The Demurrer Against the astray into one and the same faith? … Heretics —Written during his Catholic period— —Apostolic Succession— 19:3 [W]herever it shall be manifest that the 32:1-4 [I]f there be any (heresies) which are true Christian rule and faith shall be, there will bold enough to plant themselves in the midst of likewise be the true Scriptures and expositions the apostolic age, that they may thereby seem thereof, and all the Christian traditions. … to have been handed down by the apostles, because they existed in the time of the apostles, —Apostolic Succession— we can say: Let them produce the original 21:1-7 From this, therefore, do we draw up our records of their churches; let them unfold the rule. Since the Lord Jesus Christ sent the roll of their bishops, running down in due apostles to preach, (our rule is) that no others succession from the beginning in such a ought to be received as preachers than those manner that [that first bishop of theirs] bishop whom Christ appointed; for “no man knoweth shall be able to show for his ordainer and the Father save the Son, and he to whomsoever predecessor some one of the apostles or of the Son will reveal Him” (Matt. 11:27). Nor does apostolic men,—a man, moreover, who the Son seem to have revealed Him to any continued steadfast with the apostles. For this is other than the apostles, whom He sent forth to the manner in which the apostolic churches preach—that, of course, which He revealed to transmit their registers: as the church of them. Now, what that was which they Smyrna, which records that Polycarp was preached—in other words, what it was which placed therein by John; as also the church of Christ revealed to them—can, as I must here Rome, which makes Clement to have been likewise prescribe, properly be proved in no ordained in like manner by Peter. In exactly other way than by those very churches which the same way the other churches likewise the apostles founded in person, by declaring exhibit (their several worthies), whom, as the to them directly themselves, both having been appointed to their episcopal viva voce, as the phrase is, and subsequently by places by apostles, they regard as transmitters their epistles. If, then, these things are so, it is in of the apostolic seed. Let the heretics contrive the same degree manifest that all doctrine something of the same kind. … which agrees with the apostolic churches— those moulds and original sources of the faith —Apostolic Succession— must be reckoned for truth, as undoubtedly 37:1-2 Since this is the case, in order that the containing that which the (said) churches truth may be adjudged to belong to us, “as BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 4

many as walk according to the rule,” which the 3:13 In the second year of [the Emperor church has handed down from the apostles, Vespasian’s] reign, Linus, who had been bishop the apostles from Christ, and Christ from God, of the church of Rome for twelve years, the reason of our position is clear, when it delivered his office to Anencletus. … determines that heretics ought not to be 3:15 In the twelfth year of the [reign of allowed to challenge an appeal to the Domitian] Clement succeeded Anencletus after Scriptures, since we, without the Scriptures, the latter had been bishop of the church of prove that they have nothing to do with the Rome for twelve years. The apostle in his Scriptures. Epistle to the Philippians informs us that this ca. 205—Saint Clement of , Clement was his fellow-worker (Phil. 4:3). … Stromateis or Miscellanies 4:21:1 At that time [ca. 150] there flourished in —Apostolic Succession— the Church , whom we know from 1:1 Now this work of mine in writing is not what has gone before, and Dionysius, bishop of artfully constructed for display; but my Corinth, and another bishop, Pinytus of Crete, memoranda are stored up against old age, as a and besides these, Philip, and Apolinarius, and remedy against forgetfulness, truly an image Melito, and Musanus, and Modestus, and and outline of those vigorous and animated finally, Irenaeus. From them has come down to discourses which I was privileged to hear, and us in writing, the sound and orthodox faith of blessed and truly remarkable men. … received from apostolic tradition. Well, they preserving the tradition of the 304-310—Lactantius, The Divine Institutions blessed doctrine derived directly from the holy 4:30:11 It is, therefore, the apostles, Peter, James, John, and Paul, the sons alone which retains true worship. This is the receiving it from the father (but few were like of truth; this, the domicile of faith; the fathers), came by God’s will to us also to this, the temple of God. deposit those ancestral and apostolic seeds. And well I know that they will exult; I do not —313, The Edict of Milan: legalization of mean delighted with this tribute, but solely on Christianity throughout the Roman Empire account of the preservation of the truth, 341—Pope Saint Julius, 35th Bishop of Rome, according as they delivered it. For such a Letter to the Antiochians sketch as this, will, I think, be agreeable to a 22 If, then, any such suspicion rested upon the soul desirous of preserving from loss the bishop there [i.e., Athanasius in Alexandria], blessed tradition. notice of it ought to have been written to the 220-230—, The Fundamental Doctrines Church here [in Rome]. But now, after they —Apostolic Succession— have done as they pleased, they want to obtain 1:Preface:2 Although there are many who our concurrence, although we never believe that they themselves hold to the condemned [Athanasius]. Not thus are the teachings of Christ, there are yet some among constitutions of Paul, not thus the traditions of them who think differently from their the Fathers. This is another form of procedure, predecessors. The teaching of the Church has and a novel practice. I beseech you, bear with indeed been handed down through an order of me willingly: what I write about this is for the succession from the Apostles, and remains in common good. For what we have received the Churches even to the present time. That from the blessed Apostle Peter, these things I alone is to be believed as the truth which is in signify to you. no way at variance with ecclesiastical and 359-360—Saint Athanasius, Bishop of apostolic tradition. Alexandria, , Four 300-325—Eusebius Pamphilus, Bishop of Letters to Serapion of Thmuis Caesarea, History of the Church 1:28 But what is also to the point, let us note —Apostolic Succession— that the very tradition, teaching, and faith of 3:2 After the martyrdom of Paul and Peter, the Catholic Church from the beginning, which Linus was the first to obtain the episcopate of the Lord gave, was preached by the Apostles, the church of Rome. Paul mentions him, when and was preserved by the Fathers. On this was writing to Timothy from Rome, in the the Church founded; and if anyone departs salutation at the end of the epistle (2 Tim. 4:21). from this, he neither is nor any longer ought to be called a Christian. BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 5

374-377—Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Constantia to be part of Jeremiah] along with Cinoth, that (Salamis), Panárion or Panacea Against All is, his Lamentations; Ezechiel, one book; Heresies Daniel, one book; Osee, one book; Amos, one 61:6 It is not necessary that all the divine words book; Micheas, one book; Joel, one book; have an allegorical meaning. Consideration Abdias, one book; Jonas, one book; Nahum, and perception is needed in order to know the one book; Habacuc, one book; Sophonias, one meaning of the argument of each. It is needful book; Aggeus, one book; Zacharias, one book; also to make use of Tradition; for not Malachias, one book. everything can be gotten from Sacred Likewise, the order of the histories: Job, one Scripture. The holy Apostles handed down book; Tobit, one book; Esdras, two books [Ezra some things in the Scriptures, other things in and Nehemiah]; Esther, one book; Judith, one Tradition. book; Maccabees, two books. 375—Saint Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, Likewise, the list of the Scriptures of the New Doctor of the Church, The Holy Spirit and Eternal Testament, which the holy and 27:66 Of the dogmas and kerygmas preserved Catholic Church receives: of the Gospels, one in the Church, some we possess from written book according to Matthew, one book teaching and others we receive from the according to Mark, one book according to tradition of the Apostles, handed on to us in Luke, one book according to John. The Epistles mystery. … [T]he Apostles and Fathers who, in of the Apostle Paul, fourteen in number: one to the beginning, prescribed the Church’s rites, the Romans, two to the Corinthians, one to the guarded in secrecy and silence the dignity of Ephesians, two to the Thessalonians, one to the the mysteries; for that which is blabbed at Galatians, one to the Philippians, one to the random and in the public ear is no mystery at Colossians, two to Timothy, one to Titus, one to all. This is the reason for our handing on of Philemon, one to the Hebrews. unwritten precepts and practices: that the knowledge of our dogmas may not be Likewise, one book of the Apocalypse of John. neglected and held in contempt by the And the , one book. multitude through too great a familiarity. Likewise, the canonical Epistles, seven in Dogma and kerygma are two distinct things. number: of the Apostle Peter, two Epistles; of Dogma is observed in silence; kerygma is the Apostle James, one Epistle; of the Apostle proclaimed to all the world. John, one Epistle; of the other John, a Presbyter, two Epistles; of the Apostle Jude the 382—Pope Saint Damasus, 37th Bishop of Rome, Zealot, one Epistle. Thus concludes the presiding over the Council of Rome, Decree of the . of Damasus —Canon of Sacred Scripture (including the ca. 400—Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, deuterocanonical books) is established— Doctor of the Church, with Fortunatus, and 2 It is likewise decreed: Now, indeed, we must Alypius, Letter to Generosus treat of the divine Scriptures: what the —Apostolic Succession— universal Catholic Church accepts and what 53:1-2 If the very order of episcopal succession she must shun. is to be considered, how much more surely, truly, and safely do we number them from The list of the Old Testament begins Genesis, Peter himself, to whom, as to one representing one book; Exodus, one book; Leviticus, one the whole Church, the Lord said: “Upon this book; Numbers, one book; Deuteronomy, one rock will I build My Church, and the gates of book; Jesus Nave [i.e., Joshua], one book; of hell shall not conquer it” (Matt. 16:18). Peter Judges, one book; Ruth, one book; of Kings, was succeeded by Linus, Linus by Clement, four books [i.e., 1, 2 Samuel; 1, 2 Kings]; Clement by Anacletus, Anacletus by Evaristus, Paralipomenon [i.e., Chronicles], two books; Evaristus by Sixtus, Sixtus by Telesphorus, Psalms, one book; Solomon, three books; Telesphorus by Hyginus, Hyginus by Anicetus, Proverbs, one book; Ecclesiastes, one book; Anicetus by Pius, Pius by Soter, Soter by Canticle of Canticles, one book; likewise Alexander, Alexander by Victor, Victor by Wisdom, one book; Ecclesiasticus [i.e., Sirach], Zephyrinus, Zephyrinus by Callistus, Callistus one book. by Urban, Urban by Pontianus, Pontianus by Likewise, the list of the Prophets: Isaias, one Anterus, Anterus by Fabian, Fabian by book; Jeremias, one book, [Baruch is not Cornelius, Cornelius by Lucius, Lucius by named individually because it was considered Stephen, Stephen by Sixtus, Sixtus by BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 6

Dionysius, Dionysius by Felix, Felix by remain intact and in sound faith, it would be Eutychian, Eutychian by Caius, Caius by necessary, with the help of the Lord, to fortify Marcellus, Marcellus by Eusebius, Eusebius by that faith in a twofold manner: first, of course, Melchiades, Melchiades by Sylvester, Sylvester by the authority of divine law [i.e., Scripture]; by Mark, Mark by Julius, Julius by Liberius, and then by the Tradition of the Catholic Liberius by Damasus, Damasus by Siricius, Church. Here, perhaps, someone may ask: “If Siricius by Anastasius. In this order of the canon of the Scriptures be perfect and in succession not a Donatist bishop is to be found. itself more than suffices for everything, why is it necessary that the authority of ecclesiastical ca. 400—Augustine, Letter to Januarius interpretation be joined to it?” Because, quite 54:1:1 But in regard to those observances plainly, Sacred Scripture, by reason of its own which we carefully attend and which the whole depth, is not accepted by everyone as having world keeps, and which derive not from one and the same meaning. The same passage Scripture but from Tradition, we are given to is interpreted in one way by some, in another understand that they are recommended and by others, so that it can almost appear as if ordained to be kept, either by the Apostles there are as many opinions as there are men. themselves or by plenary councils, the explains a passage one way, Savellius authority of which is quite vital in the Church. in another, Donatus in another; Arius, 401—Saint , Doctor of the Church, Eunomius, Macedonius in another; Photinus, Apology Against the Books of Rufinus Apollinaris, Priscillian in another; Jovian, 2:33 What sin have I committed in following Pelagius, Caelestius in another; and afterwards the judgment of the churches? But when I in still another, Nestorius. And thus, because of repeat what the Jews say against the Story of so many distortions of such various errors, it is Susanna (Dan. 13) and the Hymn of the Three highly necessary that the line of prophetic and Children (Dan. 3:24-90), and the fables of Bel apostolic interpretation be directed in accord and the Dragon (Dan. 14), which are not with the norm of the ecclesiastical and Catholic contained in the Hebrew , the man who meaning. In the Catholic Church herself every makes this a charge against me proves himself care must be taken that we may hold fast to to be a fool and a slanderer; for I explained not that which has been believed everywhere, what I thought but what they commonly say always, and by all. For this is, then, truly and against us. properly Catholic. That is what the force and meaning of the name itself declares, a name ca. 402—Saint , Bishop of that embraces all almost universally. This Constantinople, Doctor of the Church, general rule will be correctly applied if we Homilies on the Second Epistle to the pursue universality, antiquity, and agreement. Thessalonians And we follow universality in this way, if we 4:2 [Paul commands:] “Therefore, brethren, confess this one faith to be true, which is stand fast and hold the traditions which you confessed by the whole Church throughout the have been taught, whether by word or by our whole world; antiquity, however, if we in no letter” (2 Thess. 2:15). From this it is clear that way depart from those interpretations which, it they did not hand down everything by letter, is clear, our holy predecessors and fathers but there is much also that was not written. solemnized; and likewise agreement, if, in this Like that which was written, the unwritten too very antiquity, we adopt the definitions and is worthy of belief. So let us regard the tradition theses of all or certainly of almost all of the Church also as worthy of belief. Is it a and teachers. … tradition? Seek no further. 9:14 To announce, therefore, to Catholic ca. 434—Saint Vincent of Lérins, The Notebooks Christians something other than that which 2:1-3 With great zeal and closest attention, they have received has never been permitted, therefore, I frequently inquired of many men, is nowhere permitted, and never will be eminent for their holiness and doctrine, how I permitted. And to anathematize those who might, in a concise and, so to speak, general announce anything other than that which has and ordinary way, distinguish the truth of the been received once and for all has never been Catholic faith from the falsehood of heretical unnecessary, is nowhere unnecessary, and depravity. I received almost always the same never will be unnecessary. answer from all of them, that if I or anyone else wanted to expose the frauds and escape the 529—Second Council of Orange, Canons snares of the heretics who rise up, and to [T]hus according to the passages of holy BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 7

scripture quoted above or the interpretations of Peter, behold, hath desired to have you, the ancient Fathers we must, under the blessing that he might sift you as wheat; but I have of God, preach and believe as follows. prayed for thee, that (thy) faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen they ca. 540—Saint , founder of brethren” (Luke 22:31-32). Let your tranquil Western monasticism, Rule Clemency therefore consider, since it is the 73 For what page, or what discourse, of Divine Lord and Saviour of all, whose faith it is, that authority in the Old or the New Testament promised that Peter’s faith should not fail and does not contain a most perfect rule for human exhorted him to strengthen his brethren, how it life? Or what book of the holy Catholic Fathers is known to all that the Apostolic pontiffs, the does not tell us with the voice of a trumpet predecessors of my littleness, have always how by the right path we may come to our confidently done this very thing. Creator? 739—Pope Saint Gregory III, ninetieth Bishop of —636, Death of Saint , end of the Rome, Letter to Boniface about the patristic period in the West Organization of the Church in Bavaria 680—Pope Saint Agatho, 79th Bishop of Rome, —Apostolic Succession— Letter to the Emperor Bishop Vivilo was consecrated by us. If, —Apostolic Succession— however, he has deviated from orthodox [H]ow could a knowledge of the Scriptures, in teaching in any point, correct and instruct him its fulness, be found unless what has been according to the traditions of the Church of canonically defined by our holy and apostolic Rome, as you have learned from us. predecessors, and by the venerable five —ca. 749, Death of Saint John Damascene, end of councils, we preserve in simplicity of heart, the patristic period in the East and without any distorting keep the faith come to us from the Fathers, always desirous and 869-870—Fourth Council of Constantinople, endeavouring to possess that one and chiefest eighth , Canons good, viz.: that nothing be diminished from the 1 Therefore we declare that we are preserving things canonically defined, and that nothing be and maintaining the canons which have been changed nor added thereto, but that those entrusted to the holy, catholic and apostolic same things, both in words and sense, be church by the holy and renowned apostles, guarded untouched?… and by universal as well as local councils of orthodox [bishops], and even by any inspired And briefly we shall intimate to your divinely father or teacher of the church. Consequently, instructed Piety, what the strength of our we rule our own life and conduct by these Apostolic faith contains, which we have canons and we decree that all those who have received through Apostolic tradition and the rank of priests and all those who are through the tradition of the Apostolical described by the name of Christian are, by pontiffs, and that of the five holy general ecclesiastical law, included under the penalties , through which the foundations of and condemnations as well as, on the other Christ’s Catholic Church have been hand, the absolutions and acquittals which strengthened and established … . have been imposed and defined by them. For For this is the rule of the true faith, which this Paul, the great apostle, openly urges us to spiritual mother of your most tranquil empire, preserve the traditions which we have the Apostolic Church of Christ, has both in received, either by word or by letter, of the prosperity and in adversity always held and saints who were famous in times past defended with energy; which, it will be proved, (2 Thess. 2:15). by the grace of Almighty God, has never erred 968—Liutprand, Bishop of Cremona, Report of from the path of the Apostolic tradition, nor His Mission to Constantinople has she been depraved by yielding to heretical There was present also, with many bishops, the innovations, but from the beginning she has [of Constantinople]; in whose received the Christian faith from her founders, presence [Emperor Nicephorus] asked me the princes of the Apostles of Christ, and many questions concerning the Holy remains undefiled unto the end, according to Scriptures; which, the divine Spirit inspiring the divine promise of the Lord and Saviour me, I expounded with elegance. And at last … himself, which he uttered in the holy Gospels he asked me what synods we [the Western to the prince of his disciples: saying, “Peter, nations] recognized. … I … mentioned to him BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 8

Nicea, Chalcedon, Ephesus, Carthage, Ancyra, add anything to the words of Holy Scripture as Constantinople … . [T]he universal pope regards the sense; but many words are added Gregory … freed Eutychius the heretical by Doctors by way of explanation of the Holy patriarch of Constantinople from this . Scriptures. Nevertheless, it is not lawful to add This same Eutychius said, nor did he only say even words to Holy Scripture as though such but taught, proclaimed and kept writing, that words were a part thereof, for this would we would assume at the Resurrection not the amount to forgery. It would amount to the true flesh which we have here, but a certain same if anyone were to pretend that something fantastic flesh. The book containing this error is essential to a sacramental form, which is not was, in an orthodox manner, burned by so. Gregory. Ennodius, moreover, bishop of Pavia, 1377-1378—Saint , Doctor of was, on account of a certain other heresy, sent the Church, Dialogue here, that is to Constantinople, by the Roman 85 [:] By this light set in the patriarch. He repressed it, and restored the mind’s eye Thomas [Aquinas] saw me and there orthodox catholic teaching. … gained the light of great learning. Augustine, [T]he of all Christians pertains to the Jerome, and my other holy doctors, care of the Roman pope … . enlightened by Truth, understood and knew my Truth in the midst of darkness. I am —1054, Start of the Eastern Schism referring to Holy Scripture, which seemed 1075—Pope Saint Gregory VII, 157th Bishop of darksome because it was not understood. This Rome, Letter to Emperor Henry IV was no fault of Scripture, but of the listener [I]n those things through which the Christian who failed to understand. So I sent these lamps faith and the state of the church chiefly so to enlighten the blind and dense progress towards eternal salvation, thou understandings. They raised their mind’s eye to should’st not have denied the reverence due, know the truth in the midst of darkness, and I not to us, but to God Almighty—disregarding the fire … carried them off and gave them the fact that the Lord saw fit to say to the light, not naturally but beyond all nature, and apostles and their successors: “Who hears you, in the midst of darkness they received the light hears me; and who scorns you, scorns me” and so came to know the truth. … (Luke 10:16). For we know that he who does So you see, the eye of understanding has not refuse to show faithful obedience to God, received a light beyond any natural light, does not scorn to observe our commands— infused by grace, and in this light the doctors even as if he had heard them from the lips of and the other saints came to know the truth in the apostle himself—and the things which, the midst of darkness, and from the darkness following the decrees of the holy fathers, we light was made. For understanding existed may have said. For if, out of reverence for the before Scripture was formed; so learning came chair of Moses, the Lord ordered the apostles to from understanding, for in seeing is observe whatever the scribes and Pharisees discernment. sitting above them should say (Matt. 23:2-3): it is not to be doubted but that the apostolic and 1418—Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ evangelic teaching, the seat and foundation of 4:18 God can do more than man is able to which is Christ, should be received—and comprehend; yet we may humbly and observed—by the faithful with all veneration reverently search for truth, so long as the from the lips of those who have been chosen seeker is always willing to be taught, and to for the service of preaching. follow the sound teachings of the Fathers. 1139—Second Lateran Council, tenth —1517, Start of the Protestant Revolt ecumenical council, Canons 1594-1596—Saint , Bishop of 17 With good reason we entirely prohibit Geneva, Doctor of the Church, Controversies unions within the bounds of consanguinity; for 2:2 We confess that the Holy Scripture is a most the teachings of the holy fathers and the holy excellent and profitable doctrine. It is written in church of God detest incestuous behaviour of order that we may believe; everything that is this kind. contrary to it is falsehood and impiety: but to 1266-1272—Saint , Doctor of the establish these truths it is not necessary to Church, Summa Theologica reject this which is also a truth, that Traditions III:60:8:Reply to Objection 1 It is not lawful to are most profitable, given in order that we may BeholdTheTruth.com 21 Centuries of Catholic Doctrine: APOSTOLIC TRADITION 9

believe; everything contrary to them is impiety 1854—Venerable Pope Pius IX, 255th Bishop of and falsehood. For to establish one truth we are Rome, Ineffabilis Deus never to destroy another. The Scripture is [The Fathers of the ] clearly useful to teach; learn then from the Scripture signified that nothing could be reasonably cited itself that we must receive with honor and faith from the Sacred Scriptures, from Tradition, or holy Traditions. If we are to add nothing to from the authority of the Fathers, which would what our Lord has commanded,—where has in any way be opposed to so great a he commanded that we should condemn prerogative [i.e., the ] Apostolic Traditions? Why do you add this to of the Blessed ]. his words? Where has our Lord ever taught it? 1965—, 21st ecumenical Indeed so far is he from having ever council, Dei Verbum commanded the contempt of Apostolic —Apostolic Succession— Traditions that he never despised any Tradition 9 and sacred Scripture, then, of the least Prophet in the world. Run through are bound closely together, and communicate all the Gospel, and you will see nothing one with the other. For both of them, flowing censured there except Traditions which are out of the same divine well-spring, come human and contrary to the Scripture. But if together in some fashion to form one thing, neither our Lord has written it nor his Apostles, and move towards the same goal. Sacred why would you evangelise unto us these Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down things? On the contrary, it is forbidden to take in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. anything away the Traditions which are so And Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word expressly authorised therein? of God which has been entrusted to the 1660—Saint Maria de Agreda, The City of God: apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. The Transfixion It transmits it to the successors of the apostles 1:9 The unshakable foundation of our so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they justification, and the beginning of all holiness may faithfully preserve, expound and spread it in men, is the belief in the truths, which have abroad by their preaching. Thus it comes about been revealed by God in his holy Church. Like that the Church does not draw her certainty a most skillful architect, the Lord has built his about all revealed truths from the holy Church on a firm rock, in order that the storms Scriptures alone. Hence, both Scripture and and floods of her earthly course of existence Tradition must be accepted and honored with might find Her altogether immovable (Luke equal feelings of devotion and reverence. 6:48). Thus wisely provided with a firm 2003—Pope Saint John Paul the Great, 264th foundation in her articles of faith, the Bishop of Rome, Ecclesia de Eucharistia evangelical Church is invincibly established as 61 We are urged to [give the the the only true one, the Church. prominence it deserves] by an uninterrupted 1758—Pope Clement XIII, 248th Bishop of Rome, tradition, which from the first centuries on has A Quo Die found the Christian community ever vigilant in 12 [The clergymen] should have a knowledge guarding this “treasure.” Inspired by love, the of the Scriptures: “All Scripture is inspired by Church is anxious to hand on to future God and can profitably be used for teaching, generations of Christians, without loss, her faith for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and and teaching with regard to the mystery of the teaching them to be holy that the man of God Eucharist. may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). They should go to both testaments of the Bible, to the traditions of the Church, and to the writings of the holy fathers, as if they were going to springs from which pours forth a pure and undefiled teaching of faith and character.