Marcel Angelo Delfinado

Theology- I
Ancient Church History
Professor: Rev. Fr. Francis Tordilla

Did Jesus really intend to establish a Church or did he simply reform Judaism?
The preaching of Jesus Christ is directed to the children of Israel as he had said in the
Gospel of St. Matthew 15: 24 “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” and it is
evident as well that he is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the prophets when Jesus reunited
the people of the Covenant. A clear sign, in fulfilment of the promises made to his people, is the
institution of the twelve apostles, with Peter at the head as read in Matthew 16:16-18. He says to
Peter “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of
Hades will not overcome it.” This is the biblical citation that gives the very basis of the
foundation of the Catholic Church and Saint Peter as the leader. The appointment of the twelve
apostles and their existence is the evident sign that Jesus willed that the Church that he founded
be perpetuated. An internet page of the Opus Dei of the theologians form the University of
Navarre would give a concise explanation on the establishment of Church by Christ. The page
explains on the calling of the apostles and the significant number of 12 that “The number 12 is a
reference to the twelve tribes of Israel. It shows the significance of this initiative to gather
together the holy people of God, the “ekklesia Theou”. They are the foundations of the New
Jerusalem.”1
Jesus’ statement on the Last Supper discourse is also a proof of his intention of the
perpetuity of the Church that He established. “[Jesus] entrusted to them the power to celebrate
the Eucharist, which he instituted on that occasion. In this way he transmitted to the whole
Church, in the person of those twelve who were at her head, the responsibility of being a sign
and instrument of the meeting begun by Him, which is to be offered up to the end times.”2
Jesus intended to establish a Church in fulfillment of the Scriptures and the prophecies
that the Messiah will arrive to give salvation. The different pictures of the salvation in the Old
Testament is seen and evident in the Church from her foundation to this day. “Indeed, the key to
understanding what happens to the whole law (cultic, civil, and moral) of the Old Testament is
Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;
I have come, not to abolish, but to fulfill” (Mt 5:17).3
Jesus Christ founded the Church as the means for the salvation and it is the perpetuation
of his mission to save all men and women.

1
https://opusdei.org/en-ph/article/did-jesus-really-mean-to-found-a-church/
2
Ibid.
3
https://www.hprweb.com/2014/11/christ-is-the-fulfillment-of-the-law/