The Apostles

[at0m1c]

Is it true that the 12 apostles often disagreed and fought with one another? Is there any scripture or historical evidence that proves this? Also, when Paul came to Jerusulem to rebuke them, does this contradict apostolic authority? That the holy spirit will not let them teach the wrong things?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
6/13 - Corpus Christi

at0m1c,

While it is true that the apostles disagreed and argued with one another, it is no cause for worry - disagreement and debate is how the truth is sought. Christ said that the Holy Spirit would not let them go astray, not that they would never argue about Church matters. That's why the Council of Jerusalem was called (Acts 15); some of the twelve taught that circumcision was required for salvation, others that it was not. They had to work it out before they officially declared that it was not required for one to enter the Kingdom.

Oftentimes, the Holy Spirit uses those who are not apostles (or their inheritors, the bishops) to get them in line. Though Paul was an apostle, we have numerous examples of priests and laity "setting straight" (in a prudent and charitable way) some of those who had gone astray. St. Catherine of Siena got one of the Gregorys to move the papacy from Avignon back to Rome; St. Dominic assisted the bishops in getting the Moors out of Spain; St. Thomas More tried to set Cardinal Wolsey right during the reign of Henry VIII. These examples don't contradict the teaching authority of the apostles or their inheritors, it merely shows that sometimes they can use a bit of help. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono