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Chris Baldelomar

A Discussion Between Pope Innocent II and Thomas Aquinas (Acts 3:6)

There is a legend that has circulated for years about a discussion between Pope Innocent II and Thomas Aquinas. While counting a large sum of money, the Pope said, “You see, Thomas, the church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’” Thomas answered, “That is true, Holy Father, but neither can she still say, ‘Arise and walk.’”

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Acts 3:6-8 KJV

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6 responses to “A Discussion Between Pope Innocent II and Thomas Aquinas (Acts 3:6)”

  1. Alvin Lynn Gary Avatar
    Alvin Lynn Gary
    Reply

    I had never heard this. So good, and so true. The church can never substitute prosperity and size for the power of God through the power of the resurrected Christ.

    Al Gary

  2. James Avatar
    James
    Reply

    Did Pope Innocent II and Thomas Aquinas live in the same period of time?

  3. Thomas Jones Avatar
    Thomas Jones
    Reply

    Pope Innocent II died in 1143 AD.
    Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 AD.

    Not sure how they conversed.

  4. Sirajin Rollings-Kamara Avatar
    Sirajin Rollings-Kamara
    Reply

    Was it a myth then, or they just missed out on who the exact Pope Thomas conversed with?

  5. Sirajin Rollings-Kamara Avatar
    Sirajin Rollings-Kamara
    Reply

    Who was the exact Pope Thomas conversed with then? i tend to believe that the conversation took place

    1. robgaines Avatar
      robgaines
      Reply

      I have known of the quote for a long time, whether valid or made up. Before I sent it to someone I wanted to do a little possible verification and found this website. So I’m not sure if it’s true or not. But I found this (a commentary, no less!), and it referred to Innocent IV :

      “3:6 Silver and gold have I none. Though the early church had poured out its gifts abundantly, Peter had not enriched himself, and was a poor man (Ac 2:45), presenting a great contrast to the popes who claim to be his successors. It is related that Thomas Aquinas came to Rome and visited Innocent IV. He looked somewhat amazedly upon the mass of plate and treasure which he saw there. So, said the pope, you see, Thomas, we cannot say as did St. Peter of old, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’ No, said Aquinas, neither can you command, as did he, the lame man to arise and walk. Peter had that which the popes have not.”

      https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pnt/acts/3.htm

      The People’s New Testament by B.W. Johnson [1891]

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