CATHOLIC BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

·  Matthew 16:18-19: Jesus gives Peter the "keys of the kingdom." Catholics see this as the foundation of the papacy and unique apostolic authority. 

·  Luke 22:19 / 1 Corinthians 11:24: At the Last Supper, Jesus commands, "Do this in remembrance of me." Catholics believe this instituted the ministerial priesthood to offer the sacrifice of the Mass. 

·  John 20:21-23: Jesus breathes on the disciples, saying, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven." This establishes the priest’s authority to act in persona Christi in the sacrament of Penance. 

·  2 Timothy 1:6: Paul reminds Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." This supports the belief that a permanent spiritual gift is transmitted through the physical rite.