Q. John Chrysostom on Matthew 16:18?
John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople (c. 344 – 407 A.D.):
On Matthew 16:18:
He did not say upon Peter for it is not upon the man, but upon his own faith that the church is built. And what is this faith? You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
John Chrysostom, In pentecosten, [Minge, Patrologiæ Græcæ: 52.806.75 – 52.807.1] cited from (Laurent Cleenewerck, His Broken Body, [Euclid University Press, 2008], p. 263).
…therefore He added this, “And I say unto thee, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church;” that is, on the faith of his confession.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. X, Homilies on Matthew, Homily LII.3., Matt. XV. 21, 22.
For He that hath built His church upon Peter’s confession, and has so fortified it, that ten thousand dangers and deaths are not to prevail over it;
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. X, Homilies on Matthew, Homily LXXXII.3., Matt. XXVI. 26-28.
For Christ added nothing more to Peter, but as though his faith were perfect, said, upon this confession He would build the Church; but in the other case He did nothing like this, but the contrary.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. XIV, The Homilies of St. John Chrysostom on the Gospel of St. John, Homily XXI.1., John i. 49, 50.
And if any should say, “How then did James receive the chair at Jerusalem?” I would make this reply, that He appointed Peter teacher, not of the chair, but of the world.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. XIV, The Homilies of St. John Chrysostom on the Gospel of St. John, Homily LXXXVIII.1., John xxi. 19.
This (James) was bishop, as they say, and therefore he speaks last, and herein is fulfilled that saying, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (Deut. xvii. 6; Matt. xviii. 16.) …“Then all the multitude kept silence,” etc. (v. 12.) There was no arrogance in the Church. After Peter Paul speaks, and none silences him: James waits patiently, not starts up (for the next word). Great the orderliness (of the proceedings). No word speaks John here, no word the other Apostles, but held their peace, for James was invested with the chief rule, and think it no hardship. So clean was their soul from love of glory. “And after that they had held their peace, James answered,” etc. (v. 13.) (b) Peter indeed spoke more strongly, but James here more mildly: for thus it behooves one in high authority, to leave what is unpleasant for others to say, while he himself appears in the milder part.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. XI, A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, Homily XXXIII.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
I say, no man can lay it so long as he is a master-builder; but if he lay it, …he ceases to be a master-builder.
See how even from men’s common notions he proves the whole of his proposition. His meaning is this: “I have preached Christ, I have delivered unto you the foundation. Take heed how you build thereon, lest haply it be in vainglory, lest haply so as to draw away the disciples unto men.” Let us not then give heed unto the heresies. “For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid.” Upon this then let us build, and as a foundation let us cleave to it, as a branch to a vine; and let there be no interval between us and Christ.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. XII, Homilies on First Corinthians, Homily VIII.7., 1 Cor. iii. 11.
On this wise again Paul saith, “I am not meet to be called an apostle;” because of this he became even first of all. So likewise John: “I am not meet to loose the latchet of His shoe;” because of this he was the “friend of the Bridegroom,” and the hand which he affirmed to be unworthy to touch His shoes, this did Christ draw unto His own head. So Peter too said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man;” because of this he became a foundation of the Church.
For nothing is so acceptable to God as to number one’s self with the last. This is a first principle of all practical wisdom.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. X, Homilies on Matthew, Homily III.8.
For the Son of thunder, the beloved of Christ, the pillar of the Churches throughout the world, who holds the keys of heaven, who drank the cup of Christ, and was baptized with His baptism, who lay upon his Master’s bosom, with much confidence, this man now comes forward to us now; not as an actor of a play, not as hiding his head with a mask, (for he hath another sort of words to speak), nor mounting a platform, nor striking the stage with his foot, nor dressed out with apparel of gold, but he enters wearing a robe of inconceivable beauty.
Philip Schaff, NPNF1, Vol. XIV, The Homilies of St. John Chrysostom on the Gospel of St. John, Homily I.2.
For Further Study:
William Webster, The Matthew 16 Controversy: Peter and the Rock, [Cavalry Press,1996]. Most of which can be read online Here and Here.
Edward Denny, Papalism, [Christian Resources, 2013]. Here
George Salmon, The Infallibility of the Church, [London: John Murry, 1888]. Here
~ Soli Deo Gloria
