Historical Roots of Church Authority

The historical roots of Church authority can be traced back to the 3rd century, with St. Stephen of Rome emphasizing succession from Peter as the basis for his authority over territories. St. Cyprian in the same century highlighted Rome's faith as the Orthodox faith. In the 5th century, Philip the Legate stressed the perpetual leadership of the bishops of Rome by divine appointment, a belief reinforced by St. Cyril of Alexandria at the Holy Synod of Ephesus.