Talk:Catholic Church/Proposed early history

The Christian religion is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who lived and preached in the 1st century AD in the province of Judea of the Roman Empire. Catholic doctrine teaches that the contemporary Catholic Church is sole authentic continuation of this early Christian community established by Jesus.
 * History lead

The New Testament, in particular the Gospels, records Jesus' activities and teaching, his appointment of the twelve Apostles and his Great Commission of the Apostles, instructing them to continue his work. The book Acts of Apostles, tells of the founding of the Christian church and the spread of its message to the Roman empire, The Catholic Church teaches that its public ministry began on Pentecost, occurring fifty days following the date Christ is believed to have resurrected. At Pentecost, the Apostles are believed to have received the Holy Spirit, preparing them for their mission in leading the church. The church teaches that the college of bishops, led by the Bishop of Rome are the successors to the Apostles.
 * Apostolic era and papacy

In the account of the Confession of Peter found in the Gospel of Matthew, Christ designates Peter as the "rock" upon which Christ's church will be built. The Church considers the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, to be the successor to Saint Peter. Based upon-extra biblical accounts of Peter's ministry and martyrdom in Rome, some scholars state Peter was the first Bishop of Rome. Other scholars, though, question whether there was formal leadership among early Roman Christians, and thus whether there is a formal link between Peter and the modern Papacy. Catholic apologists respond to such claims stating that a successor to Peter's personal ministry could have become a formal Bishop of Rome at a later date. |}}
 * Historical response
 * //possibility for expansion//


 * References




 * Notes