Was the Catholic Church the First Church?
You may have heard Catholics claim that the Catholic Church was the first church. But where does this bold statement come from? Let’s explore the evidence through Scripture and tradition that supports this belief.
To begin, we need to go back to the early Church and examine Scripture and scholars from that time to gain insight into the formative days of Christianity.
First, consider historical continuity:
Matthew 16:18 states, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it."
When breaking this verse down into Greek, one of the original languages of the Bible, "Peter" translates to "rock" or "stone." This signifies that Peter is the foundation of the Church that Jesus entrusted him to build.
Peter became the first bishop of Rome, initiating a succession that has remained unbroken to this day.
Some might argue that this is isolating scripture to match the teachings of the Church. This is understandable, but examining the early Church teachers and traditions undeniably reveals the foundation of the first Christians and the bedrock of truth.
John 20:21 says, "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." Many non-Catholic Christians might interpret this as a universal commission. However, examining the Greek root of "sent" (Apostolos) reveals it means not merely sending a letter but granting authority to send out. This signifies that while all are called to the Great Commission, those leading are to be called by those in authority.
The early Church Fathers provide detailed descriptions of the Church’s structure and beliefs, which align perfectly with the Catholic Church’s teachings and doctrine. Prominent among these early Church Fathers are Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, and Polycarp, who were highly esteemed theological scholars.
Throughout Church history, particularly in its early years, various councils convened to address doctrinal issues and establish guidelines for believers. At these councils, the Pope participated and helped lead, making governing decisions.
If you have ever traveled to Rome or other cities with early Christian communities, you will find abundant art. This art can be challenging for modern Christians to interpret due to symbols that have not been preserved through various denominations. However, it closely resembles art seen throughout Catholic teachings, churches, and other artworks. One common symbol is the chi-rho, which means Christ in Greek. Additionally, there are numerous statues, such as the Marian statues, which you could replicate in your own home.
The enduring beauty and truth of the Catholic Church stand to this day. This is an encouragement to attend Mass and experience a foretaste of Heaven for yourself.
