for the election; Peter did not speak as master, but as interpreter of the prophecies; James, who was the first in dignity, and the other Apostles, allowed him to speak alone because of their modesty, not because they did not possess the same power as he. If St. Chrysostom recognized a superior dignity in any of the Apostles, we should say it was in St. James of Jerusalem. In fact, beside the text already quoted, we find the following amongst his writings:
"Behold, after Peter it is Paul who speaks, and no man objects; James looks on and remains quiet, for the primacy had been committed to him. John and the other Apostles do not speak, but remain silent without the least vexation, because their soul was free from all vainglory. ... After they (Barnabas and Paul) ceased speaking, James answered and said, 'Simeon hath declared how God, at the first, did visit the Gentiles.' ... Peter's language had been more vehement; that of James is more moderate. It is thus those should always act who possess great power. He leaves severity for others, and reserves moderation for himself."
Again, where he analyzes the words of St. James, he reasons thus:
"What means, I judge? It means, I affirm, with authority, that the thing is thus. ... James, therefore, decided the whole question."[1]
This passage may not seem to the Romanists to prove the primacy of James, but it assuredly disproves that of Peter — if by primacy we mean authority.
Romish theologians also quote St. Chrysostom upon the fall of St. Peter as follows:
"God permitted him to yield, because He meant to establish him prince of the entire universe; so that, remembering his own faults, he should pardon those who might fall."
- ↑ Upon the Acts of the Apostles, 33d hom.
