Which Apostle Was a Bishop?
Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles, is historically recognized as having served as a bishop.
Saint Peter: Bishop of Antioch
According to historical accounts, including information found in the 9th-century Liber Pontificalis, Saint Peter held the office of bishop. He is specifically noted for serving as the bishop of Antioch for a period of seven years. Before his eventual journey to Rome, it is suggested that Peter may have left his family in a Greek city. This early episcopal role highlights the foundational period of Christian leadership and the direct involvement of apostles in establishing local church structures.
The Role of Apostles in Early Church Structure
The early church saw apostles not only as direct witnesses to Jesus's ministry but also as key figures in establishing and overseeing local Christian communities. Peter's episcopacy in Antioch exemplifies this dual function, underscoring the city's importance as an early center of Christianity where followers were first called "Christians." This also relates to the concept of apostolic succession, where the authority of bishops is traced back to the apostles.
The table below summarizes Peter's known episcopal role:
Apostle | Known Episcopal See | Duration (as per historical accounts) |
---|---|---|
Saint Peter | Antioch | 7 years |
This demonstrates how figures like Peter were instrumental in shaping the initial organizational structure of the burgeoning Christian faith beyond their missionary travels, laying the groundwork for future church hierarchy.