Victor R. Claveau, MJ
St. John Chrysostom in the 4th century in his comments on Matthew 16:18 calling Peter “the foundation of the Church, that he was really Peter” (the Rock) “both in name and in deed.”
Tertullian (Rome, 160 – 220 AD)
Peter alone do I find …to have been married. Monogamist I am led to presume him by consideration of the church, which, built on him, was destined to appoint every grade of her Order from monogamists. (On Monogamy, Ch. 8)
Clement (Alexandria, 150 – 215 AD)
Therefore, on hearing those words, the blessed Peter, the chosen, the pre-eminent, the first of the disciples, for whom alone and Himself the Savior paid tribute, quickly seized and comprehended the saying. And what does he say? “Lo, we have left all and followed Thee.” (Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved, Ch. 21)
Cyprian (Carthage, 200 – 258 AD)
Upon him (Peter), being one, He (Christ) built His Church and although after His resurrection He bestows equal power on all the Apostles, and says: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you. Receive the Holy Spirit: if you forgive the sins of anyone, they will be forgiven him; if you retain the sins of anyone, they will be retained” (Jn 20:21), that He might display unity, He established by His authority the origin of the same unity as beginning from one. (On the Unity of the Catholic Church, Ch. 4)
Cyril (Jerusalem, 315 – 387 AD)
Peter, the foremost of the Apostles, denied the Lord thrice before a little maid: but he repented himself, and wept bitterly. (Catecheses, No. 2:19)
Augustine (Numidia, now Algeria, 354 – 430 AD) (Letters, No 53)
For, if the order of succession of Bishops is to be considered, how much more surely, truly and safely do we number them from Peter, to whom, as representing the whole Church, the Lord said: “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18). For, to Peter succeeded Linus, to Linus Clement, to Clement Anacletus, to Anacletus, Evaristus …