Expert: Edward Bode - 12/6/2006

Question
Dear Mr. Bode:
How can I explain the Catholic Priesthood from the Bible. A Protestant argued that the priesthood is not Biblical. He said that in the New Testament we are all priests and don't need Catholic priests. I don't know the Bible well, but can you tell me where to look in order to see the Catholic priesthood in the New Testament.

Thanks, Lee

Answer
Lee, explaining the priesthood from the bible may be a challenging task.  However, I recommend these steps:
1 - Catholics accept scripture and tradition as sources of revelation. Tradition consistently held until the Protestant challenge of the 16th century that Sacred Orders [bishop, priest, deacon]was a Sacrament.
2 - In the New Testament:  One must look at all the relevant texts, not just 1 Peter 2:5,9, which speaks to the priesthood of all the faithful, but also the texts that speak to a special, ministerial priesthood of selected individuals.
3 - NT texts that address the question of the ministerial priesthood:
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituting the eucharist [Mt, Mk, Lk] referred to its repetition by his apostles.  Paul recalled this tradition in 1 Cor 11:23-26.
Acts mentions several times the laying on hands for authorizing special tasks.  For example, see 6:6, 13:3,14:23.
Paul recalls his ordination of Timothy.  See 2 Tim 1:6,7; 1 Tim 3:1, 4:14. The Council of Trent cited the 2 Timothy text in defending the priesthood against Protestant reformers.
Paul entrusted Titus to appoint priests -- see Tit 1:5.
4 - Further understanding.  I refer you to The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1536-1571, 1590-1596.
You can find the text on the internet at:
www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/index.htm
If I can be of further help, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes,Lee.