Today’s Readings Podcast Description

How far did the ancient Roman bishops actually rule over other churches? In these sections of the Institutes, Calvin examines the historical record and shows that the jurisdiction claimed by later popes was unknown in the early centuries. The famous case of Cecilianus of Carthage was decided not by any inherent Roman supremacy, but by the Emperor’s appointment, and the appeal was even referred to the Bishop of Arles. Leo’s commissions as vicar carefully preserved the ordinary rights of metropolitans and provincial councils. Even in the time of Gregory, when political turmoil increased Rome’s influence, that influence remained limited, subsidiary, and often exercised only at the Emperor’s command. Gregory himself complained of being overwhelmed by worldly business and insisted th ...