Tertullian

“ Then let all the heresies, when challenged to these two [9] tests by our apostolic church, offer their proof of how they deem themselves to be apostolic. But in truth they neither are so, nor are they able to prove themselves to be what they are not. Nor are they admitted to peaceful relations and communion by such churches as are in any way connected with apostles, inasmuch as they are in no sense themselves apostolic because of their diversity as to the mysteries of the faith. ”

“ A touch of irony occurs in the phrase “primus ille episcopus.”↑ Deferunt.↑ Fastos.↑ [Linus and Cletus must have died or been martyred, therefore, almost as soon as appointed. Our author had seen these registers, no doubt.] ”