On Peter, James and John

St. Ambrose of Milan ca. 338-397

If I did not perceive them as elect, I should think that the whole race of man was mystically encompassed in the three, because the whole human race was descended from the three sons of Noah… Again, none can see the glory of the resurrection, save he who has preserved the mystery of the Trinity intact with the undefiled purity of faith. Peter ascended, who received the keys of the kingdom (Mat. 16:19); and John, to whom His Mother is entrusted (Jn. 19:27); and James, who was the first to mount a bishop’s throne. (Exposition of the Holy Gospel According to St. Luke, Bk. 7.8-9)