Calvin’s Institutes, 4.7.7
Observations:
1. The subject under review: The origin and growth of Romanism until it raised itself to a height that the freedom of Christ’s True Churches were oppressed and doctrinal restraint were removed. We’ve seen the modest position of Rome in the Councils of Nicaea, Ephesus, Council of Chalcedon and the Fifth Council of Constantinople. We’ve seen that the pompous and arrogant titles for the bishop of Rome were not embraced, but were repudiated as late as the 7th century.
2. We are talking about the limits of Roman jurisdiction in relation to emperors and metropolitans.
3. Irenaeus of Gaul (c.130-202 AD) severely rebuked Victor of Rome for contentiousness.[1] This freedom “was then customary among the holy bishops to use their brotherly right toward the Roman prelate, admonishing and chastising him whenever he sinned.” Where's Petrine supremacy?
4. Similarly, the Roman bishop did the same. Collegialty and co-equality was the rule.
5. Cyprian (c. late second century-258 AD) urges Stephen of Rome to warn the bishops of Gaul about false doctrine, not based on Roman supremacy “but upon the authority that bishops have in common.” He says, “The brotherly fellowship by which we are bound together among ourselves requires that we admonish one another.” Letters, lxviii., lxxiv.,1,3,4,7. Where’s Petrine supremacy?
6. Cyprian, Letters, lxxiv8, says Stephen is “a friend of heretics and an enemy of Christians.” Where’s Petrine supremacy?
Interpretation
No such thing as Petrine supremacy exists in this time frame.
Application
1. Educate contacts.
2. Read, mark, learn, inwardly digest, write and disseminate as soonest and as practicable.
3. Continue the new prayer for Morning and Evening Prayers, 10 AM and 4 PM, to wit, “Spare us, Good Lord, the detestable enormities of Rome.”
[1] Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, V.xxiv.11ff.
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