Apostles Quote by St. Jerome
“The Church was founded upon Peter: although elsewhere the same is attributed to all the Apostles, and they all receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the strength of the Church depends upon them all alike, yet one among the twelve is chosen so that when a head has been appointed, there may be no occasion for schism.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: De Viris Illustribus, 4th century
The Church’s unity rests on the collective authority of all apostles, but a single leader is chosen to prevent division.
In simple terms: Church unity relies on all apostles, but a leader avoids split.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared authority while supporting leadership.
Themes
unity
authority
leadership
church
apostles
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- church governance
- ecumenical councils
- leadership selection
- preventing schism
Key Concepts
Ecclesiology
hierarchy
collective responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shared authority balance with singular leadership?
- What risks arise from concentrating authority?
A Different Perspective
If leadership fails, unity may still fracture.
![“He [Peter after the resurrection] now understood that he and the church were to exercise a transcendent power that did not depend upon having a kingdom or government in any human sense, for it was literally a "God government" in which they were participants (Acts 1:6-8).” quote by Dallas Willard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac7/dallas-willard-819_church_he-peter-after-the-resurrection-now-unde_716577.jpg)
![“Listen to these words of [apostle] Paul: "We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness that's in high places." It's in "high places" that the plot against Black and Brown, and poor White is going…” quote by Louis Farrakhan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/152/louis-farrakhan-1264_apostle-paul_listen-to-these-words-of-apostle-paul-we_95649.jpg)
