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Explanation for:
Matthew
16
:
18
And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
17
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"And I declare to you—what significance do these words hold: \\"And I declare to you!\\" Because you have acknowledged me as 'the Christ, the Son of the living God,' I assure you, my words carry great weight. You are Peter, and upon this foundation, I shall establish my church. Just as He imparted illumination to the apostles, designating them as the light of the world, He similarly bestowed upon Simon, who recognized Him as the Stone or Christ, the name Peter. This imagery of the Stone is explicitly directed toward him, encompassing all the apostles, since Blessed Jerome remarked that Peter speaks on behalf of the collective apostles. 'Upon you I will build My Church.' The gates of hell shall not overcome it. When referring to the gates of hell, I indicate the vices and sins, or indeed, the erroneous teachings of heretics, which lead the unsuspecting into the abyss. Let no one presume that this speaks solely of death, as if the apostles were exempt from its realities, for their radiant martyrdom is a testament to their triumph."},{"author-name":"Eusebius of Caesarea","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b8edc5c95ff7bbae3ce_Eusebius%20of%20Caesarea.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This interpretation is drawn from Priest Anthony of Odai's work ‘The Holy Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew 16:18’. In his Commentaries on the Psalms, Eusebius of Caesarea identifies Christ as the very foundation of the Church, as seen in the phrase H petra de hn o Cristoz. This is consistent with the well-known passages found in the Apostolic Epistles, specifically 1 Corinthians 10:14 and 1 Corinthians 3:11. Additionally, the Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:20, indicates that following the Savior, the foundation of the Church is comprised of the messages delivered by the prophets and apostles, with ‘Jesus Christ Himself being the cornerstone’. This assertion gains particular significance as, despite Eusebius's doctrinal ambiguities and some rigidity at the First Ecumenical Council, he clearly affirms the belief in Jesus Christ and His divine nature as the Church's foundation, thereby reflecting a widely accepted perspective within the early Church."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This, then, represents the steadfast foundation, the blessed cornerstone of faith, declared by the mouth of Peter: \\"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.\\" This testimony firmly upholds the evidence of truth, while the corrupt inquiries of heretics and the deceit of unbelievers falter.\\n\\nUpon this declaration of faith rests the Church's foundation.\\n\\nThis interpretation draws from Priest Anthony of Odai's work 'The Holy Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew 16:18.' The Venerable Hilary of Pictavius, known as 'Athanasius of the West' for his vigorous defense of Orthodoxy against Arianism in Gaul, regards the rock upon which the Church is established as a solid affirmation from the mouth of Blessed Simon Bar-Jona. The unshakeable foundation, he notes, is the proclaimed rock of Peter’s blessed faith."},{"author-name":"Gregory of Nyssa","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c197597540c9caa3754_Gregory%20of%20Nyssa.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In this understanding, Priest Anthony of Odai offers a rephrased interpretation of his work 'The Holy Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew 16:18.' St. Gregory of Nyssa, one of the prominent figures among the Cappadocians, does not direct his commendation toward Simon, a mere fisherman, but rather toward that steadfast faith which serves as the very basis of the entire Church."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Faith serves as the cornerstone of the Church. It is stated that the gates of hell shall not prevail, not because of Peter's physical flesh, but due to the power of faith; through this confession, hell has been conquered. This affirmation has barred numerous heresies, yet the Church, akin to a resilient vessel often tossed by turbulent waves, must have a foundation that is more robust than any array of heresies.\\n\\nIn another context, St. Ambrose of Mediolanus, the first Apostle of St. Peter's Church, emphasizes that the foundation of the Church rests on faith, not mere honor, maintaining that the primacy of Peter is fundamentally about confession. He positions faith as essential, reinforcing the idea that it is not about Peter's flesh but about belief that assures victory over hell.\\n\\nAmbrose articulates that if Peter is deemed the foundation, then all apostles share this foundational role; if the Church is built upon him, it extends even more so to the others. Peter is united with Christ, echoing the Lord's words to his disciples: “You are in me, and I in you” (John 14:20). Christ stands as the foundational rock for all His apostles, who, in turn, build the faith of many who believe through them.\\n\\nThis perspective finds echoes in the reflections of Priest Anthony of Odai on St. Ambrose's teachings. Ambrose outlines faith as the true foundation of the Church, underscoring that the gates of hell cannot overcome it (non enim de carne Petri, sed de fide dictum est, quia portæ mortis ei non prævalebunt). He identifies Christ as the Rock, inspired by the Apostle Paul's assertion about the spiritual nourishment from Christ (1 Cor. 10:4), urging Christians to cultivate their internal steadfastness—building their spiritual house on the rock of faith, which represents their actions and thoughts.\\n\\nThis allegorical interpretation discourages viewing Peter as the sole foundation, emphasizing Ambrose’s well-known declaration: “Where Peter is, there is the Church” (Ubi Petrus, ibi Ecclesia), which should be understood as a representation of the episcopacy embodied in each bishop, reflecting the fullness of the Petrine gift in building the Church.\\n\\nPeter confidently professed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16), asserting His eternal existence. The Savior graciously entrusted His titles to His disciples, stating “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12) and reflecting it in, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). Additionally, He called Himself the bread of life (Jn. 6:51), while instilling in His disciples a sense of unity in the faith (1 Cor. 10:17). Christ is the true vine (Jn. 15:1), yet assures His followers they are part of that eternal vine (Jer. 2:21). Christ is indeed the Rock, as from Him flows the life-giving spiritual sustenance (1 Cor. 10:4), yet Peter is also deemed a rock because of his steadfast faith that mirrors Christ's strength.\\n\\nAspire to be a rock—seek not your foundation externally but within! Your rock lies in your deeds and thoughts. Build your house upon this foundation; it will remain unshaken by the storms of malevolence (cf. Matt. 7:24; 16:18; Lk. 6:48; Eph. 6:11). Your faith serves as the foundation of the Church. If you embody this rock, you are part of the Church, which is built upon the rock, ensuring that the gates of hell cannot conquer you. The gates of hell symbolize death (cf. Matthew 16:18; Psalm 106:18) and cannot be associated with the Church.\\n\\nThe gates of death, or hell, encompass sin. Engaging in adultery leads you to those gates. Violating a promise brings you closer to death’s domain. Committing a mortal sin opens these gates. Yet, God possesses the power to rescue you from death’s grasp, allowing you to proclaim His goodness at the gates of salvation (cf. Psalm 9:15). The entryway of the Church, on the other hand, is through righteousness and purity. The righteous enter, declaring, “Open unto me the gate of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 117:19). \\n\\nIn contrast to the gates of hell, the gates of righteousness represent access to divine grace, for the righteous shall enter through them (Psalm 117:20). Take heed to avoid a life of sin, lest you fall prey to the gates of hell (cf. Matt. 16:18). Should sin establish its reign over you, it will darken your path and lead you to death. Therefore, refrain from quarreling and strife (cf. 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20) and the tumult of discord, avoiding the gates of death. For initially, the Lord Jesus preferred to remain silent and not provoke public disputes."},{"author-name":"Epiphanius of Cyprus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b66dcf34a644220655d_Epiphanius%20of%20Cyprus.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Peter, revered as the foremost Apostle, truly serves as a steadfast foundation upon which the Faith of Christ is built. It is upon THIS ROCK that the Church is firmly established in every aspect, primarily because Peter recognized Christ as the Son of the living God. He plainly heard the declaration, \\"On this rock of unwavering Faith I will build my Church,\\" for he understood Him to be the genuine Son. By proclaiming Him as the Son of the living God, he emphasized that Jesus was indeed the true Son, addressing this crucial point as a counter to various heretical views.\\n\\nThis understanding aligns with the teachings of Priest Anthony of Odai in his ‘Holy Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew 16:18.’ Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus, an ardent opponent of heresy, draws connections between the Apostle Peter and his faith. On one hand, he identifies Peter as the principal Apostle and the solid rock on which the Church of God stands. Conversely, he asserts that \\"Saint Peter, the chief among the apostles, has become a true firm rock, affirming the Lord's Faith, upon which the Church is built in all respects.\\" Additionally, St. Epiphanius references Matthew 16:18 to elucidate the Lord’s words following Peter’s proclamation: “On this rock of steadfast faith I will build my Church.” He perceives the apex of the apostolic tradition not solely in Peter’s person but within the Creed, which the fathers of the Council of Nicaea proclaimed, affirming that “This faith was entrusted to us by the holy apostles and ratified in the Church in the holy city in a unanimous agreement by all the then-assembled holy bishops, totaling more than three hundred and ten.”"},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The Word of God refers to the affliction of the wicked and the heretical blasphemies as the gates of hell. In opposition to these forces, the Church of God does not succumb but actively combats them. \\n\\nThis does not imply that there will be no adversaries seeking to harm her, nor that she will be free from conflict. Rather, it conveys that many shall rise against her, yet they will be defeated. As it is written, \\"and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her,” referring to the Church. Indeed, the Church faced assaults but emerged victorious, triumphing over those who sought its ruin. Thus, it is no surprise that the saints also encounter attacks in this life. These struggles only enhance the glory of their victories and the honor of their rewards. \\n\\n\\"And upon this rock I will build My Church\\" - see Matthew 16:13."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Saint Peter, a fervent disciple of Jesus Christ, received profound recognition from the Savior for his significant declaration of Christ's divine nature: \\"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.\\" In response, the Lord proclaimed, \\"Blessed are you, Simon... I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church\\" (Matthew 16:16-18). This \\"rock,\\" referring to his confession, \\"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,\\" serves as the foundation upon which Christ would establish His Church.\\n\\nBlessed Augustine, who is regarded as the architect of Western Christian theology, expounded on this in his teachings. He articulated that the Church is established on the solid foundation from which Peter derives his name, paralleling how the term \\"Christian\\" is rooted in \\"Christ.\\" This foundational stone is Christ Himself, as asserted in the scripture: “For they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:4), and “For no one can lay any foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). Augustine further explains that the creed of the Apostle Peter functions as this cornerstone, emphasizing that the Church is built by Christ not upon a singular individual but upon this foundational belief. \\n\\nIn his teachings, Augustine highlights the significance of Peter's confession as emblematic of the Church. It represents a collective unity rather than the position of a solitary leader. According to Augustine, while Peter embodies the Church in his acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity, the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven were entrusted not to an individual but to the unity of the Church. This perspective underscores that Augustine does not perceive Peter as merely the head or sole authority of the Church, but acknowledges Peter's prominence within the broader context of the Church's mission and integrity."},{"author-name":"Acacius of Melitene","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c882734c1a8f4733209e2d_Acacius%20of%20Melitene.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The blessed apostles did not sacrifice their lives through wounds, imprisonment, and torture for the sake of humanity; nor did the holy martyrs, who faced death and persecution across the earth, depart from this life for mere mortals. Instead, they did so for our Lord and God, who existed before all time, came to dwell among us, was led like a lamb to the slaughter, rose from the dead on the third day, appeared to the fifty disciples gathered together, and ascended into heaven in view of His followers. He will return in the same way to judge the living and the dead. This is our belief; this constitutes the foundation upon which our Church stands, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"This account is a reinterpretation based on the insights of Priest Anthony of Odai from his examination of Matthew 16:18. St. Cyril of Alexandria, a renowned Egyptian scholar and champion of Orthodoxy against Nestorianism, references this biblical passage, recognizing the steadfast faith of the disciple. He describes this faith as unyielding and firmly established.\\n\\nThe Lord Himself foretells, stating: “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). In this context, He identifies the gates of hell as those who seek to harm the Church, likening them to devastation and ruin, leading many into the chains of despair. Therefore, adversaries of the Church will ultimately be weakened, faced with destruction and judgment; for it is affirmed that “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord will deliver me out of them all” (Ps. 33:20). Indeed, it is stated that “all who desire to live godly in Christ will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12), yet Christ neutralizes the intentions of the wicked and renders their efforts ineffective. He bestows upon us the “power to tread upon the serpent, and upon the scorpion, and upon all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19). He encourages us further with the promise, “in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33).\\n\\nWhen Jesus gazed at him, He declared, “You are Simon, son of Jonah; you are called Cephas” (Jn. 1:42). Peter acknowledged, “He who sees hearts and wombs is the Godly One” (Psalm 7:10; Jeremiah 11, etc.). The Lord perceives the level of devotion and the moral excellence the disciple will achieve, for He is “He that knoweth all things before they were” (Dan. 13:42). This emphasizes that Jesus, being the true God, possesses divine knowledge without the need for instruction; without uttering a word or inquiring about Simon’s origins, He identifies him and his destiny. Having claimed him as His own, He renames him Peter, a name signifying ‘rock’ (πέτϱα), intending to establish His Church upon him.\\n\\nLet us further explore how the Saint elucidates Matthew 16:18: “For Christ is the foundation and steadfast support of all things, governing and sustaining creation, ensuring its firm establishment. Through Him, we are constructed into a spiritual dwelling, united harmoniously by the Holy Spirit within the sacred Church, as He resides in our hearts through faith” (Eph. 2:21, 22; cf. Eph. 4:16). The Apostles and Evangelists, who were witnesses and servants of the Word (Lk. 1:2), were affirmed and grounded in faith, serving as models for us. By adhering to their teachings, we maintain an authentic belief in Christ without distortion. As stated by Christ to the Divine Peter—who boldly confessed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”—He affirmed, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church,” indicating that the rock symbolizes the unwavering fidelity of the disciple.\\n\\nIn summary, St. Cyril of Alexandria interprets ‘rock’ not as Peter himself, but rather as his FAITHFULNESS, equated with confession in the faith."},{"author-name":"Paul of Emesa","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"This interpretation draws from the teachings of Priest Anthony of Odai in his work on the Gospel of Matthew 16:18. Bishop Paul of Emesa, who played a key role in reconciling the Alexandrian and Antiochian churches after the Third Ecumenical Council, references the confessions of the chief apostle as articulated by his followers. In his Christmas sermon, he cites the Apostle Peter declaring, \\"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God,\\" and emphasizes that the Church of God is built upon this faith, or \\"this rock.\\" Despite his diplomatic talents, Bishop Paul articulated clear doctrinal beliefs, as demonstrated in his sermons alongside St. Cyril of Alexandria."},{"author-name":"Theodoret of Cyrus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8981534fdbcbdf10ec17e_Theodoret%20of%20Cyrus.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The holy apostles served as the foundational pillars and direct descendants of God’s grace, providing the framework and stability for the Church. The Lord proclaimed, \\"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.\\"\\n\\nThis reflection draws from the insights of Priest Anthony of Odai in his commentary on Matthew 16:18. Blessed Theodoret of Cyrus, a distinguished figure from the Antiochian theological school, highlights Peter's profound acknowledgment of Jesus Christ’s divinity and Christ’s affirmation of Peter's proclamation through His declaration regarding the Church being built upon this rock. Consequently, the wise Apostle Paul, renowned for his church-building efforts, emphasizes that no other foundation can be laid except that which is established, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11). Both this divine author and Blessed Theodoret recognize Christ as the cornerstone of the Church. While the patrology of Minya does not contain Blessed Theodoret’s original letter, it does include a description of it."},{"author-name":"Basil of Seleucia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"This interpretation is a rephrasing of the insights of Priest Anthony of Odai from his work The Holy Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew 16:18. As noted by Basil of Seleucia (†458), Christ refers to the confession of faith as a Stone and identifies the one who upholds this belief as Peter (Stone). Peter sees this name as particularly appropriate since he was the first to declare his faith. This represents the true foundation of piety, the bedrock of salvation, the bulwark of faith, and the cornerstone of truth: ‘For no one can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’"},{"author-name":"Leo the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8913282004723ddef43ef_Leo%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"This interpretation draws from the thoughts of Priest Anthony of Odai in his work on the Gospel of Matthew 16:18. Saint Leo the Great, renowned Pope of Rome and esteemed for his strong character, moral integrity, and commitment to the Church, employs the term 'stone' in his sermons. This reflects an apparent connection to the Gospel passage but carries a distinct connotation influenced by the ideals of Roman patriotism, which aimed to find new foundations for maintaining Roman identity and asserting Rome's significance following its diminished status as the Empire’s capital. Protopresbyter John Meyendorff notes that it was logical for St. Leo to perceive a divinely appointed role for the Roman Empire in fostering Christian unity. Thus, despite the Empire’s collapse, the relocation of its capital to Constantinople, and barbarian invasions, the core of eternal Christian unity was expected to remain steadfast as a ‘stone,’ represented in the universal pastoral authority of the successor of St. Peter in Rome: ‘Through the holy pulpit of the blessed Peter, you (Rome) by the worship of God have attained a more extensive power than through earthly authority.’ The trials faced by the eternal city throughout history only furthered the unfolding of God’s plan, affirming Rome's role as the unyielding voice of the Vicar of St. Peter: ‘What Truth itself has commanded abides, and therefore the blessed Peter, retaining the power of the rock which he has received, does not abandon the government of the Church entrusted to him.’ This substantial divergence in understanding and applying the Gospel text, particularly the term 'stone,' stands out as uncommon and misaligned with the broader tradition of holy theological interpretation. Thus, St. Leo the Great’s perspective may be seen as a personal theological viewpoint."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord bestows a significant honor upon Peter, declaring that the church will be established upon him. Because Peter has recognized Him as the Son of God, Jesus proclaims, \\"This confession you have made will serve as the cornerstone for all believers; anyone seeking to construct a life of faith must lay this confession as their foundation. Even if we possess countless virtues, without the correct confession to support us, our efforts become futile. When He refers to it as 'My church,' it signifies His authority over everything, as all creation serves God. The gates of hell represent the oppressors that seek to drag Christians into destruction, and heretics also embody those gates that lead to perdition. Thus, many adversaries and false teachers have been overcome by the church. Each one of us is part of the church, which is the dwelling place of God. If we remain steadfast in our confession of Christ, the gates of hell—symbolizing our sins—will not triumph over us. In reference to this deliverance, David expressed, \\"He that lifteth me up from the gates of death,\\" Psalm 9:14. From which gates was David lifted? From two in particular: murder and adultery."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"I tell you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will establish My Church. You are Peter because you will become a steadfast foundation of faith even after your denial, or because you are presently resolute in your beliefs; and upon this rock I will build My Church, signifying that I will set you as a cornerstone among the believers, since the Church consists of those who have faith. With this, He pointed His attention towards the role of shepherding. The gates of hell shall not overcome her - they will not prevail against the Church. He refers to the gates of hell as the blasphemies of pagans and heretics, which lead to eternal damnation, or the punishment stemming from them, resulting in physical demise. He then conveys another honor."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"For the encouragement of faith, it seems fitting to share a few affirming testimonies from the Scriptures concerning the enduring grace of God within the body of Christ, steadfast until the conclusion of time. The first affirmation comes directly from Jesus Christ, the ‘faithful and true witness’ (Rev. 3:14), who declared, ‘I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matt. 16:18). Although adversaries may arise at various times and places, achieving temporary victories and causing strife within, ultimately ‘they shall not prevail against her.’ This promise holds true until the very end of the age. If they were ever to gain the upper hand, then the Seer of all times could not assert that ‘they shall not prevail.’ \\n\\nA second testimony can be sourced from the book of Revelation, authored by St. John the Theologian, which prophetically outlines the future of the Church of Christ until the end of days (Rev. 6:7, 11, 12, 19-21). Notably, even amidst the darkest trials the Church may face, the vision reveals her as miraculously safeguarded from harm. For instance, the serpent pursuing the woman fails to capture or defeat her, as ‘two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman,’ and ‘the earth helped the woman’ (Rev. 12:13-16). Divine Providence orchestrates circumstances such that even secular powers contribute to the peace and security of the Church; the wings of the ‘great eagle’ graciously lift her above the malice and cunning of her foes, ‘into the wilderness to her own place’ (Rev. 12:14). This ‘own place’ is not merely a physical desert but represents a deeper spiritual ‘wilderness’—a realm removed from worldly distractions and drawn ever closer to God; for the Church’s true ‘own place’ lies in her intimacy with God and communion with Him.\\n\\nA third testament to this enduring truth is found in the epistles of the holy Apostle Paul. Addressing the longevity of spiritual leaders within the Church ‘for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,’ he responds that this will continue ‘until we all come into the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into perfect manhood, into the measure of the full stature of Christ’ (Eph. 4:11-13). Therefore, as long as there are still those on earth who have yet to reach unity in faith, have not attained spiritual maturity, or are in need of the knowledge of the Son of God, there will remain in the Church shepherds and instructors dedicated to the perfecting of the saints."}]}
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