St. Ignatius...3rd Bishop of Antioch, St. Peter being the 1st.

Antiochene Bishop Authority

By Eric William King

In past studies we have showed and documented the fact that the use of the word “catholic” amongst the earliest of Christian pastors meant simply “universal”. The word “catholic” simply means universal. The word was used to demonstrate that the original church was not denominated…it was universally united.

1500 plus years later the Romans hijacked the word “catholic” and put “Roman” in front of it thus creating the first and largest schismatic offshoot of true Christianity – the Roman Papacy. All Christians must now truly understand that the Bishop is the senior pastor, the one which has the most experience and becomes the overseer of more than one church within a local district.

The true Bishop (Senior Pastor) holds only to Sola Scriptura and the teachings of the original Apostles. Christians were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26). It was in Antioch that God formed the true church organization. St. Peter was the first Bishop of Antioch. Following him was St. Evodius. Following St. Evodius was St. Ignatius of which we have some of his original writings in our Ancient Antiochene Library.

St. Theophilus was the seventh Bishop of Antioch and was the last true [Greek] bishop before the infiltration of the Latin Church. There were hidden bishops of the true church protected throughout history. Even through the Dark Ages the true church was protected. The Eucharist [the “thanksgiving” Supper of the Lord – 1^st Corinthians 10:16] is central in true Christian worship. A bishop must be present in the Church when it is being served or the bishop must appoint someone, an Elder or Pastor to administer it if he is absent.

St. Ignatius (3^rd Bishop of Antioch) explains this order to us: “Let no one do anything pertaining to the church without the bishop [Senior Pastor]. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by the person whom he appoints…Wherever the bishop offers [the Eucharist], let the congregation be present, just as, wherever Jesus [Yeshua] Christ is, there is the catholic [universal] church.”

Today churches ignore the original apostolic authority of the church especially in the United States and this has led the church into all sorts of apostasy and heterodoxy. St. Irenaeus is an authoritative Bishop recognized by the Antiochene Church and he agrees with St. Ignatius regarding this important issue. Remember, these true saints are not “Roman Catholics” ; they existed way before the Great Schism and are saints who were connected to St. John and St. Polycarp.

A true Christian must be recognized by his or her relationship with God and the Truth. Christian maturity must be and will be developed within the true church. We serve a God of relationship and we demonstrate that amongst ourselves through the Love of Jesus Christ.

True spiritual fellowship will exist amongst the “body of Christ”. Respect for Church order and authority must be demonstrated in order to grow properly. The true church is recognized by the union of its members who, when it comes to doctrine, “speak the same thing” but maintain their own personal relationship with the Truth (1^st Corinthians 1:10).

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness.” (1^st John 2:9)

There is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. The true church offers a complete system of teachings found in Holy Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura).

St. Irenaeus informs us that the Four Gospels are the true and only authoritative gospels. They are the “pillar and ground” upon which true faith is built. The true Antiochene Church alone holds to the complete “faith once delivered”. Jesus Christ built His ONE TRUE CHURCH and it is still here. May you seek Jesus Christ out with all your heart, soul and mind – all that you are.

It is truly time for all Christians in America to return to the pure church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Please continue your Bible studies here at “The Shepherds Way” and “Nugget of Truth”. Practice and share what you learn.

Resting in the finished work of my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Eric William King (July 28^th 2020)