Chapter V
Reading edition
PETER'S PRIMACY AS EXHIBITED IN THE ACTS.
Division of the Acts into history of the Church universal, and of S. Paul
in particular114
Gospels, history of the Head; Acts, of the Body115
Execution of Christ's promises declaratory of their enactment116
General proof of this as to the Primacy in the Acts117
1. Peter oftener mentioned than all the rest put together.
2. The leading part assigned to him.
3. Peter mentioned directly; the rest obliquely118
4. Peter answers for all the Apostles119
5. Luke records Peter's actions and speeches in full.
6. The first part of the Acts may be called the history of Peter120
I. Particular proof—Election of a new Apostle122
S. Chrysostome's comment on this124
Peter's conduct in defending the rest on the day of Pentecost125
Third and fourth speech of Peter.—Summary of the first four chapters128
II. Proof from junction of authoritative teaching and miracles129
Resemblance between Peter's miracles and Christ's131
Peter the chief figure among the Apostles as Christ before133
III. Peter presides over the different steps in propagating the Church134
Peter's part in the conversion of Samaria135
IV. Peter receiving the Gentiles in the person of Cornelius137
Things to be noted in this reception concerning Peter.—Peter murmured
against by some of the circumcision142
S. Chrysostome and S. Gregory upon his conduct143
V. S. Peter exercising supreme judicial power over Ananias144
VI. S. Peter exercising supreme visitatorial power145
VII. S. Peter's supreme legislative authority in council147
The consent and joint action of others do not impugn the supremacy148
Tertullian's testimony as to his authority here, and that of S. Jerome and
Theodoret150
VIII. Contrast between the mode in which the imprisonment of Peter,
and that of James and Paul is mentioned151
Summary of the testimony to Peter in the Acts153
His Primacy magisterial, judicial, and legislative.—Its institution
compared with its exercise154
No opposition offered to it155
The mystical headship contrasted with the visible157