up again to Jerusalem-and I went up according to revelation; and communicated to them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles : signifying, that in preaching the Gospel he was not secure, unless that preaching were sanctioned by the judgment of Peter, and of the other Apostles who were with him." Ep. lxxiv. ad August. T. iv. Pars ii. p. 621.
St. ASTERIUS,[1] G.C.--" When Christ had ascended into heaven, Peter assumed the office of preaching the Gospel, and speaking in the name of all the rest, manifested the courage of a bold mind. When I say this, let it not be thought, that I compare the servant with his master: but I mean that God, to shew his own power by his servants, on none of his disciples bestowed so many of his gifts as on Peter. By these he raised him above the rest ; and such he was shewn to be by the power of the Divine Spirit.” Hom. in SS. Pet. et Paul. T. 1. p. 130, 135. N. Auct. Combefis. Paris. 1648.--" John, who rested on the breast of Christ, was great; so was James. Philip also was renowned, but still they all gave way to Peter, and accepted the second place.” Ibid. p. 142. “When our Saviour, by his death, proposed to sanctify the human race, he commits to Peter the Universal Church, as a most excellent deposit. Having asked him thrice, Lovest thou me? (John xxi.) and Peter, having as often, with great readiness, replied ; he received the world, as a flock committed to a shepherd, hearing the words, Feed my lambs. The Lord, in the place, it may be said, of himself, appointed this faithful Disciple to be the Father, the Shepherd, and the Instructor of his followers." Ibid. p. 146.
- ↑ St. Asterius was Bishop of Amasea, in Asia Minor, and contemporary with St. John Chrysostom. He wrote many Sermons, some of which are extant.
