Difference between revisions of "Bishop"

<p> <strong> [[Bishop]] </strong> (Gr. <em> episkopos </em> , Lat. <em> episcopus </em> , Ital. <em> vescovo </em> , Fr. <em> évêque </em> , Germ. <em> Bischof </em> ), <strong> [[Elder]] </strong> (Gr. <em> presbyteros </em> , Lat. <em> presbyterus </em> , Fr. <em> prêtre </em> , Eng. <em> priest </em> ). The two words are so closely connected in the NT that they must be taken together here. </p> <p> <strong> 1 </strong> . <strong> The terms </strong> . The Greek word for ‘bishop’ is common in the general sense of an <em> overseer </em> , and in particular of sundry municipal officers. In LXX [Note: Septuagint.] it is used in &nbsp; Isaiah 60:17 of taskmasters, in &nbsp; Nehemiah 11:19 of minor officials, and in 1Ma 1:51 of the commissioners of [[Antiochus]] who enforced idolatry. But, so far as we can see, it was not the common name for the treasurers of private associations. </p> <p> In the NT the word is found five times. In &nbsp;Acts 20:28 St. Paul reminds the elders of [[Ephesus]] that the [[Holy]] Ghost has made them bishops over the flock; in &nbsp; Philippians 1:1 he sends a greeting to the saints at [[Philippi]] ‘with bishops and deacons’; in &nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:2 he tells Timothy that ‘the bishop must be blameless,’ etc.; in &nbsp; Titus 1:7 he gives a similar charge to Titus; and &nbsp; 1 Peter 2:25 speaks of Christ as ‘the shepherd and bishop of your souls.’ </p> <p> In the OT the word ‘elder’ is used from early times of an official class having jurisdiction both civil and religious, so that when synagogues were built, the elders of the city would naturally be the elders of the synagogue, with the right of regulating the services and excluding offenders. </p> <p> In NT times the idea would be carried over to the churches. It is indirectly recognized in &nbsp;Luke 22:26; but we cannot infer the existence of elders from &nbsp; Acts 5:6 , for ‘the younger men’ who carry out [[Ananias]] are simply ‘the young men’ in &nbsp; Acts 5:10 when they carry out Sapphira. The first clear trace of [[Christian]] elders is at Jerusalem. In &nbsp; Acts 11:30 (a.d. 44) they receive the offerings from [[Barnabas]] and Saul; in &nbsp; Acts 15:6 (a.d. 50) they take part in the Conference; in &nbsp; Acts 21:18 (a.d. 58) they join in the welcome to St. Paul. Earlier than this may be &nbsp; James 5:14 , where the word seems to denote officials. After this we hear no more of them till the Pastoral [[Epistles]] and 1Peter. </p> <p> For the last two hundred years it has been generally agreed that bishops and elders in the NT and for some time later are substantially identical. For (1) bishops and elders are never joined, like bishops and deacons, as distinct classes of officials. (2) &nbsp;Philippians 1:1 is addressed ‘to bishops and deacons.’ Had there been an intermediate class of elders, it could not well have been omitted. So &nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:1-16 ignores the elders, though (&nbsp; 1 Timothy 5:17 ) there were elders at Ephesus, and had been (&nbsp; Acts 20:17 ) for some time. Conversely, &nbsp; Titus 1:6-7 describes elders instead, and nearly in the same words. (3) The bishop described to Timothy, the elders of &nbsp; Acts 20:1-38 , those of &nbsp; 1 Timothy 5:17 , those described to Titus, and those of &nbsp; 1 Peter 5:2 , all seem to hold a subordinate position, and to have rather pastoral duties than what we should call episcopal. (4) The same persons are called elders and bishops (&nbsp; Acts 20:17; &nbsp; Acts 20:28 ). The words are also synonymous in [[Clement]] of Rome, and (by implication) in the <em> Teaching of the [[Apostles]] </em> and in Polycarp. [[Ignatius]] is the first writer who makes a single bishop ruler of a Church; and even he pleads no [[Apostolic]] command for the change. </p> <p> The general equivalence of the two offices in the Apostolic age seems undeniable; and if there were minor differences between them, none have been clearly traced. The only serious doubt is whether bishops and deacons originally denoted offices at all. The words rather describe functions. Thus &nbsp;Philippians 1:1 ‘to bishops and deacons’ (no article) will mean ‘such as oversee and such as serve’ that is, the higher and the lower officials, whatever titles they may bear. This would seem proved by &nbsp; Titus 1:5; &nbsp; Titus 1:7 ‘that thou appoint elders …, for the bishop (overseer) must be blameless.’ The argument is that the elder must be so and so, because the bishop must be so and so. This is vain repetition if the bishop is only the elder under another name, and bad logic if he is a ruler over the elders; but it becomes dear if the ‘bishop’ is not a defined official, but an overseer generally. Then, the elder being a particular sort of overseer, the argument will be from a general rule to a particular case. </p> <p> <strong> 2. [[Appointment]] </strong> . At first popular election and Apostolic institution seem to have gone together. The Seven (&nbsp; Acts 6:5-6 ) are chosen by the people and instituted by the Apostles with prayer and laying-on of hands. In the case of the [[Lycaonian]] elders (&nbsp; Acts 14:23 ) the Apostles ‘appointed’ them with prayer and fastings. Similarly the elders in [[Crete]] (&nbsp; Titus 1:6 ) are ‘appointed’ by Titus, and apparently the bishops at Ephesus by Timothy. In these cases popular election and laying-on of hands are not mentioned; but neither are they excluded. &nbsp; 1 Timothy 5:22 does not refer to ordination at all, nor &nbsp; Hebrews 6:2 to ordination only. The one is of the laying-on of hands in restoring offenders, while the other takes in all occasions of laying-on of hands. But in any case Timothy and Titus would have to approve the candidate before instituting him, so that the description of his qualifications is no proof that they had to select him in the first instance. Conversely, popular election is very prominent (Clement, and <em> Teaching </em> ) in the next age; but neither does this exclude formal approval and institution. The elders are already attached (&nbsp; 1 Timothy 4:14 ) to the Apostles in the conveyance of special gifts; and when the Apostles died out, they would act alone in the institution to local office. The development of an episcopate is a further question, and very much a question of words if the bishop (in the later sense) was gradually developed upward from the elders. But the next stage after this was that, while the bishop instituted his own elders, he was himself instituted by the neighbouring bishops, or in still later times by the bishops of the civil province or by a metropolitan. The outline of the process is always the same. First popular election, then formal approval by authority and institution by prayer, with (at least commonly) its symbolic accompaniments of laying-on of hands and fasting. </p> <p> <strong> 3. Duties </strong> </p> <p> (1) <em> General superintendence </em> : [[Elders]] in &nbsp; Acts 20:28 , 1Ti 5:17 , &nbsp; 1 Peter 5:2; &nbsp; 1 Peter 5:2 (ruling badly); bishops in &nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:5 . Indicated <em> possibly </em> in &nbsp; 1 Corinthians 12:28 ‘helps, governments’: more distinctly in &nbsp; Ephesians 4:11 ‘pastors and teachers,’ in pointed contrast to ‘apostles, prophets, and evangelists,’ whose office was not local. So &nbsp; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 ‘those that are over you,’ &nbsp; Romans 12:8 ‘he that ruleth.’ and &nbsp; Hebrews 13:7; &nbsp; Hebrews 13:17; &nbsp; Hebrews 13:24 ‘them that have the rule over you,’ remind us of the bishops and elders who rule (&nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:4; &nbsp; 1 Timothy 5:17 ). So, too, the ‘rulers’ in Clement must be bishops or elders, for these bishops plainly have no earthly superior, so that they must be themselves the rulers. </p> <p> Under this head we may place the share taken by the elders: ( <em> a </em> ) at [[Jerusalem]] (&nbsp; Acts 15:6 ) in the deliberations of the Apostolic Conference, and (&nbsp; Acts 21:18 ) in the reception held by James; ( <em> b </em> ) elsewhere (&nbsp; 1 Timothy 4:14 ) in the laying-on of hands on Timothy, whether that corresponds to ordination or to something else. </p> <p> (2) <em> Teaching </em> : &nbsp; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 rulers admonishing in the Lord; &nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:2 the bishop apt to teach; &nbsp; 1 Timothy 5:17 double honour to the elders who rule well, especially those who toil in word and teaching; &nbsp; Titus 1:9 the elder or bishop must be able to teach, and to convince the gainsayers. Yet &nbsp; 1 Timothy 5:17 seems to imply that elders might rule well who toiled in other duties than word and teaching; and if so, these were not the sole work of all elders. </p> <p> [[Preaching]] is rather connected with the unlocal ministry of apostles, prophets, and evangelists: but in their absence the whole function of public worship would devolve on the local ministry of bishops and deacons. This becomes quite plain in the <em> Teaching </em> and in Clement. </p> <p> (3) <em> Pastoral care </em> : This is conspicuous everywhere. To it we may also refer: ( <em> a </em> ) visiting of the sick (&nbsp; James 5:14 ) with a view to anointing and cure not as a <em> viaticum </em> at the approach of death; ( <em> b </em> ) care of strangers and a <em> fortiori </em> of the poor (&nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:2 , &nbsp; Titus 1:8 , the bishop to be a lover of strangers). </p> <p> H. M. Gwatkin. </p>

<p> Greek '''''Episkopos''''' , applied to the inspectors sent by [[Athens]] to her subject states, to inquire into their state, to rule and defend them. The Greek speaking [[Jews]] or [[Hellenists]] applied it in the [[Septuagint]] to officers who had "the oversight of the tabernacle" (&nbsp;Numbers 4:16; &nbsp;Numbers 31:14), "the officers overseeing the host" (&nbsp;Psalms 109:8, "his charge of overseeing let another take," quoted in &nbsp;Acts 1:20 "his bishopric"; &nbsp;Isaiah 60:17, "thine overseers righteousness." [[Presbyter]] or elder was the term in the Christian church at Jerusalem for the pastoral superintendent; episcopus or bishop was naturally adopted in [[Gentile]] Christian churches, the word being already in use among the Greeks. The terms were originally equivalent; '''''Presbuteros''''' (whence "priest" comes by contraction) marking the age, rank, and respect due to him, episcopus marking his official duty. </p> <p> Bishops and deacons are the two orders alone mentioned in &nbsp;Philippians 1:1. The plural shows there was more than one bishop and more than one deacon there. Those called "elders" (presbyters) are also termed "overseers" (bishops, Greek) as if the terms were interchangeable (&nbsp;Acts 20:17; &nbsp;Acts 20:28; &nbsp;Titus 1:5; &nbsp;Titus 1:7). The presbyters discharged episcopal functions, i.e. overseeing the flock (&nbsp;1 Timothy 5:17; &nbsp;1 Peter 5:1-2). So in the epistles of Clement of Rome the two terms are interchangeable. But in Ignatius' epistles the bishop is regarded as superior to the presbyter. However, in the genuine epistles, in the [[Syriac]] version edited by Cureton, the bishop is much less exalted. "Elder" is the correlative term to "younger men" (Greek '''''Neoteroi''''' ), &nbsp;Acts 5:6. "Elders" are first mentioned in the church in [[Judaea]] (&nbsp;Acts 11:30). </p> <p> Paul and Barnabas transplanted the same [[Jewish]] government to the Gentile churches (&nbsp;Acts 14:23) by "ordaining elders in every church." "Bishops" are first mentioned in Paul's address at [[Miletus]] (&nbsp;Acts 20:28), describing the duty of the elders, namely, to be faithful "overseers." Then, during Paul's first imprisonment, in &nbsp;Philippians 1:1 "bishops" is the recognized term for "elders" Every Jewish synagogue had its council of "elders" (&nbsp;Luke 7:3) presided over by one of themselves, "the chief ruler of the synagogue." In their apostleship the apostles have no successors, for the signs of an apostle have not been transmitted. But the presidents over the presbyters and deacons, while still continuing of the same order as the presbyters, have succeeded virtually, by whatever name designated, angel, bishop, moderator, to a superintendency analogous to that exercised by the apostles, and evidently derived from the synagogue; see Vitringa, Synag. 2, chapters 3, 7. </p> <p> The superintending pastor of each of the seven churches is in Revelation called its "angel," (the abuse of the term "apostle" by pretenders led to its restriction to the twelve and Paul, &nbsp;Revelation 2:2) just as in Old [[Testament]] the prophet Haggai (&nbsp;Haggai 1:13) is termed "the Lord's messenger (angel) in the Lord's message." In the larger churches, as Ephesus and Smyrna, there were many presbyters, but only one angel under the one "chief [[Shepherd]] and Bishop of Souls," the term "bishop" thus being applicable to the highest pastoral superintendence (&nbsp;1 Peter 2:25; &nbsp;1 Peter 5:4). The enigmatic symbolism of Revelation transfers the term of office, angel, from Jehovah's heavenly to His earthly ministers; reminding them that, like angels above, they should do God's will lovingly and perfectly. </p> <p> The "legate (angel) of the church" ( '''''Sheliach Tsibbur''''' ) recited the prayers in the name of the assembled worshippers in the synagogue; the apostles, as Jews, naturally followed this pattern, under God's providential sanction: compare &nbsp;James 2:2, "assembly," Greek synagogue," &nbsp;2 Corinthians 8:23. Timothy either at his ordination as presbyter, or else consecration as temporary overseer or bishop over Ephesus, received a spiritual gift "by prophecy," i.e. by the Spirit speaking through the prophets (&nbsp;Acts 13:1-3; &nbsp;1 Timothy 1:18; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14-15), accompanied "WITH the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." The laying on of hands symbolized the impartation of spiritual strength; as in Joshua's case (&nbsp;Numbers 27:18-20; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 34:9). The "with" implies that the presbyters' laying on of hands accompanied the conferring of the gift. The "by" in &nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6 implies that Paul was the more immediate instrument of conferring it: "stir up the gift of God which is in thee BY the putting on of my hands." </p> <p> The Jewish council was composed of the elders (the presbytery, &nbsp;Luke 22:66; &nbsp;Acts 22:5), and a presiding rabbi; so the Christian church was composed of elders and a president (&nbsp;Acts 15:19; &nbsp;Acts 15:23). At the ordination of the president three presbyters were always present to lay on hands; so the early church canons required three bishops to be present at the consecration of a bishop. The president ordained in both cases as the representative, in the name of the presbytery. [[Ordination]] (compare &nbsp;Acts 6:6; &nbsp;Acts 13:3) is meant in &nbsp;1 Timothy 5:22, "lay hands suddenly (without careful inquiry into his character beforehand) on no man"; not, as Ellicott explains, "receive penitent backsliders into church fellowship by laying on hands." The qualifications are stated in &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:1-7. </p> <p> "Husband of one wife" confutes the Roman [[Catholic]] celibacy. He who has a virtuous wife and family will more attractively teach those who have similar ties, not only by precept but by example. The Jews teach a priest should neither be unmarried nor childless, test he be unmerciful. Yet as Jews and [[Gentiles]] regarded second marriages with prejudice (compare Anna, &nbsp;Luke 2:36-37), and a bishop ought to stand well in the esteem of his flock, he should be married but once. That prohibition no longer holds good, now that no such prejudice exists, which might otherwise have required lawful liberty to yield to Christian expediency. The prohibition may also refer to a second marriage after a divorce. Of ruing (presiding, Greek) presbyters there were two kinds, those who "labored in the word and teaching," and those who did not. The former were to receive "double honor" and remuneration. Both had "government" (&nbsp;1 Corinthians 12:28). </p> <p> The "apostle" and evangelist" preached to the pagan, but the bishop-presbyter's office was pastoral (&nbsp;Titus 1:9; &nbsp;1 Thessalonians 5:12), including ministration to the sick (&nbsp;James 5:14). Timothy as vicar apostolic heard accusations against elders, and deposed the guilty, and ordained presbyters and deacons (&nbsp;1 Timothy 5:19; &nbsp;Titus 3:10). The presiding bishops in the next age naturally succeeded in a permanent and settled sphere to these duties, which were previously discharged in a less settled charge by the apostles and their deputies, who moved from place to place. The sum of the arguments amounts to this, that episcopacy in the sense of superintendency, not in that of succession to the apostleship, has the apostolic precedent to recommend it; but no directions for the form of church government so positive and explicit as those in the Old Testament concerning the Aaronic priesthood and [[Levitical]] ministry are laid down in the New Testament as to the Christian ministry. </p> <p> Various other orders and gifts are mentioned besides bishop-presbyters and deacons, with superintending apostles and apostolic vicars (as Timothy and Titus). These have not been permanent in all times and places (&nbsp;1 Corinthians 12:28; &nbsp;Ephesians 4:11-12). The absence of literal, positive directions as to church government, and the statement of the broad principle, "Let all things be done unto edifying" &nbsp;1 Corinthians 14:26), and the continual presence of the Holy Spirit in the church to raise up fresh agencies for fresh needs of the church, while justifying episcopacy in its general following of the apostolic order, show us that it is not exclusively the divine platform, but that in all churches holding the essential truths of [[Scripture]] "we ought to judge those ministers lawfully called and sent, who be chosen and called to this work by men who have public authority given unto them in the congregation, to call and send ministers into the Lord's vineyard." (Ch. of Eng. Art. 23) </p>

<i> episkopos </i> &nbsp;Acts 20:28&nbsp;Philippians 1:1&nbsp;1 Timothy 3:2&nbsp;Titus 1:7&nbsp;1 Peter 2:25 <p> [[Prior]] to the advent of [[Christianity]] episkopos meant “inspector,” “watchman,” or “overseer.” It was used of the finance officers of Greek guilds and of the officers Athens sent to its subject-states. Finance officers administered revenues for Greek temples. </p> <p> One of the five usages of <i> episkopos </i> in the New Testament was as a title applied to Jesus: “the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (&nbsp; 1 Peter 2:25 ). The other four uniformly referred to one who had a role or office in an early Gentile Christian congregation. In addressing the elders of the church of Ephesus the [[Apostle]] Paul stated, “the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers ( <i> episcopous </i> ), to feed the church of God” (&nbsp;Acts 20:28 ). In the salutation to his [[Epistle]] to the Philippians he greeted “the bishops and deacons” of the church at Philippi (&nbsp;Acts 1:1 ). In &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:1-7 qualifications were given for a “bishop”: reputation, marital status, character traits, hospitality, teaching ability, non-drunkenness, attitude toward money, responsible parenthood, and length of time as a Christian. A similar list of qualifications for a “bishop” appears in &nbsp; Titus 1:6-9 . </p> <p> The noun <i> episkope </i> , meaning “overseership,” “bishopric,” or “office,” appears in &nbsp;Acts 1:20 (a quotation from &nbsp; Psalm 109:8 ) and in &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:1 . The verb <i> episkopeo </i> , meaning “to exercise oversight,” appears in some Greek New Testament manuscripts and hence some English translations [[(Kjv, Asv]] ) in &nbsp;1 Peter 5:2 . </p> <p> Paul, addressing the [[Ephesian]] “elders,” reminded them that the Holy Spirit made them “overseers” ( <i> episkopous </i> ) “to feed (verb which is cognate to the noun “pastor”) the church of the Lord.” From this many conclude that in Paul's time “elder,” “bishop,” and “pastor” were terms used to describe three different functions of the same Christian leader, not three distinct ministerial offices. Moreover, according to &nbsp;Philippians 1:1 the church at Philippi had more than one bishop. </p> <p> During the second century A.D. churches came to have a single bishop, and then that bishop came to exercise oversight over nearby rural churches as well as the city church so that his ecclesiastical territory became known as a “diocese” or “see” (“eparchy” in the East). Bishops of churches that had been founded by apostles were said to be in succession to the apostles, and hence their teaching was held to be authentic and their authority collegial. By 400 A.D. in the West, the bishop of Rome began to assume extraordinary authority above other bishops. </p> <p> Today the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern [[Orthodox]] churches, the Old Catholic Church, the Anglican communion, and the (Lutheran) Church of [[Sweden]] teach the doctrine of apostolic (or episcopal) succession. Other Lutheran bodies, the United [[Methodist]] Church (USA), and the Moravian Church have bishops who serve as superintendents. </p> <p> James Leo Garrett, Jr. </p>

<div> '''1: '''''Ἐπίσκοπος''''' ''' (Strong'S #1985 — Noun Masculine — episkopos — ep-is'-kop-os ) </div> <p> lit., "an overseer" (epi, "over," skopeo, "to look or watch"), whence Eng. "bishop," which has precisely the same meaning, is found in &nbsp;Acts 20:28; &nbsp;Philippians 1:1; &nbsp;1—Timothy 3:2; &nbsp;Titus 1:7; &nbsp;1—Peter 2:25 . See Overseer. </p> &nbsp;Acts 20:17&nbsp; Acts 20:28&nbsp;Acts 14:23&nbsp;20:17&nbsp;Philippians 1:1&nbsp;Titus 1:5&nbsp;James 5:14&nbsp;1—Timothy 3:2&nbsp;Titus 1:7&nbsp;1—Peter 2:25Elder. <div> '''2: '''''Ἐπισκοπή''''' ''' (Strong'S #1984 — Noun [[Feminine]] — episkope — ep-is-kop-ay' ) </div> <p> besides its meaning, "visitation," e.g., &nbsp;1—Peter 2:12 (cp. the Sept. of &nbsp; Exodus 3:16; &nbsp;Isaiah 10:3; &nbsp;Jeremiah 10:15 ), is rendered "office," in &nbsp;Acts 1:20 , RV (AV, "bishoprick"); in &nbsp;1—Timothy 3:1 , "the office of a bishop," lit., "(if any one seeketh) overseership," there is no word representing office. </p> &nbsp;1—Peter 5:2Oversight.

<p> פקיר . επισκοπος , signifies <em> an overseer, </em> or one who has the inspection and direction of any thing. Nehemiah speaks of the overseer of the [[Levites]] at Jerusalem, &nbsp; Nehemiah 11:22 . The most common acceptation of the word <em> bishop </em> is that in &nbsp; Acts 20:28 , and in St. Paul's Epistles, Php_1:1 , where it signifies the pastor of a church. St. Peter calls Jesus Christ "the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls," &nbsp;1 Peter 2:25; and St. Paul describes the qualities requisite in a bishop, &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1, 2, &c. It is not improbable that the overseers of Christ's church are in the New Testament called επισκοποι , from the following passage in Isaiah: "I will also make thy officers peace, and thine <em> overseers" </em> ( επισκοπους ), "righteousness," &nbsp;Isaiah 60:17 . The word, as used by the Apostolic writers, when referring to the pastors of Christian churches, is evidently of the same import as <em> presbyter </em> or <em> elder; </em> for the terms, as they occur in the New Testament, appear to be synonymous, and are used indifferently. Thus the same persons that are called επισκοποι , <em> bishops </em> are also called ωρεσβυτεροι , <em> elders. </em> Hence, when St. Paul came to Miletus, he sent to Ephesus for the presbyters of the church, and thus addressed them: "Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you" (the presbyters) " επισκοπους , bishops," or overseers, &nbsp;Acts 20:17 . "Here, says Dr. Campbell, "there can be no question that the same persons are denominated presbyters and bishops." Nor is this the only passage in which we find the terms used convertibly. In &nbsp;Titus 1:5 , it is said, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders" (Greek πρεσβυτερους ) "in every city;" and then it follows in &nbsp;Titus 1:7 , "For a bishop" (επισκοπον ) "must be blameless." In like manner, the Apostle Peter, &nbsp;1 Peter 5:1 : "The elders" (πρεσβυτερους ) "which are among you I exhort; feed the flock of God which is among you, <em> taking the oversight thereof; </em> επισκοπουντες , that is, discharging the office of bishops." See [[Episcopacy]] . </p>

<p> '''Bishop.''' The word originally signified an ''"Overseer"'' or ''Spiritual Superintendent.'' The titles, '''bishop''' and '''elder,''' or '''presbyter,''' were essentially equivalent. [[Bishop]] is from the Greek, and denotes ''One Who Exercises The Function Of Overseeing.'' Presbyter was derived from the office in the synagogue. Of the order in which the first elders or bishops were appointed, as of the occasion which led to the institution of the office, we have no record. The duties of the bishop-elders appear to have been as follows: </p> <p> 1. General superintendence over the spiritual well-being of the flock. &nbsp;1 Peter 5:2. </p> <p> 2. The work of teaching, both publicly and privately. &nbsp;1 Thessalonians 5:12; &nbsp;Titus 1:9; &nbsp;1 Timothy 5:17. </p> <p> 3. The work of visiting the sick, &nbsp;James 5:14. </p> <p> 4. Among other acts of charity, that of receiving strangers, occupied a conspicuous place. &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:2; &nbsp;Titus 1:8. Peter calls [[Christ]] , "the shepherd and bishop of your souls." &nbsp;1 Peter 2:25. </p>

<p> &nbsp;1 Peter 2:25 (a) This title is given to the Lord [[Jesus]] in regard to His right to rule over the religious life and affairs of the church. </p>

<p> ''''' bish´up ''''' : The word is evidently an abbreviation of the Greek ἐπίσκοπος , <i> ''''' epı́skopos ''''' </i> ; Latin, episcopus. </p> General <p> 1. Use in the Septuagint and Classic Greek </p> <p> The Septuagint gives it the generic meaning of "superintendency, oversight, searching" (&nbsp;Numbers 4:16; &nbsp;Numbers 31:14 ) in matters pertaining to the church, the state, and the army (&nbsp;Judges 9:28; &nbsp;2 Kings 12:11; &nbsp;2 Chronicles 34:12 , &nbsp;2 Chronicles 34:17; 1 Macc 1:54; The Wisdom of [[Solomon]] 1:6). Nor is it unknown to classical Greek. Thus [[Homer]] in the <i> [[Iliad]] </i> applied it to the gods (xxii.255), also Plutarch, <i> Cam </i> ., 5. In Athens the governors of conquered states were called by this name. </p> <p> 2. New Testament Use </p> <p> The word is once applied to Christ himself, "unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (&nbsp;1 Peter 2:25 ). It abounds in [[Pauline]] literature, and is used as an alternative for <i> ''''' presbúteros ''''' </i> or elder (&nbsp;Titus 1:5 , &nbsp;Titus 1:7; &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:1; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14; &nbsp;1 Timothy 5:17 , &nbsp;1 Timothy 5:19 ). The earliest ecclesiastical offices instituted in the church were those of elders and deacons, or rather the reverse, inasmuch as the latter office grew almost immediately out of the needs of the Christian community at Jerusalem (&nbsp;Acts 6:1-6 ). The presbyteral constitution of Jerusalem must have been very old (&nbsp;Acts 11:30 ) and was distinct from the apostolate (&nbsp;Acts 15:2 , &nbsp;Acts 15:4 , &nbsp;Acts 15:6 , &nbsp;Acts 15:22 , &nbsp;Acts 15:23; &nbsp;Acts 16:4 ). As early as 50 ad Paul appointed "elders" in every church, with prayer and fasting (&nbsp;Acts 14:23 ), referring to the Asiatic churches before established. But in writing to the Philippians (&nbsp;Philippians 1:1 ) he speaks of "bishops" and "deacons." In the Gentile Christian churches this title evidently had been adopted; and it is only in the Pastoral Epistles that we find the name "presbyters" applied. The name "presbyter" or "elder," familiar to the Jews, signifies their age and place in the church; while the other term "bishop" refers rather to their office. But both evidently have reference to the same persons. Their office is defined as "ruling" (&nbsp;Romans 12:8 ), "overseeing" (&nbsp;Acts 20:17 , &nbsp;Acts 20:28; &nbsp;1 Peter 5:2 ), caring for the flock of God (&nbsp;Acts 20:28 ). But the word <i> ''''' archeı́n ''''' </i> , "to rule," in the hierarchical sense, is never used. Moreover, each church had a college of presbyter-bishops (&nbsp;Acts 20:17 , &nbsp;Acts 20:28; &nbsp;Philippians 1:1; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14 ). During Paul's lifetime the church was evidently still unaware of the distinction between presbyters and bishops. </p> <p> Of a formal ordination , in the later hierarchical sense, there is no trace as yet. The word "ordained" used in the King James Version (&nbsp;Acts 1:22 ) is an unwarrantable interpolation, rightly emended in the Revised Version (British and American). Neither the word <i> ''''' cheirotonḗsantes ''''' </i> (&nbsp;Acts 14:23 , translated "appointed" the American Standard Revised Version) nor <i> ''''' katastḗsēs ''''' </i> (&nbsp;Titus 1:5 , translated "appoint" the American Standard Revised Version) is capable of this translation. In rendering these words invariably by "ordain" the King James Version shows a <i> vitium originis </i> . No one doubts that the idea of ordination is extremely old in the history of the church, but the laying on of hands, mentioned in the New Testament (&nbsp;Acts 13:3; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14; &nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6; compare &nbsp;Acts 14:26; &nbsp;Acts 15:40 ) points to the communication of a spiritual gift or to its invocation, rather than to the imparting of an official status. </p> <p> 3. Later Development of the Idea </p> <p> According to Rome, as finally expressed by the [[Council]] of Trent, and to the episcopal idea in general, the hierarchical organization, which originated in the 3rd century, existed from the beginning in the New Testament church. But besides the New Testament as above quoted, the early testimony of the church maintains the identity of "presbyters" and "bishops." Thus, Clement of Rome (Ep. 1, chapters 42, 44, 57), the <i> Didache </i> , chapter 15; perhaps the <i> Constitutions </i> , II, 33, 34, in the use of the plural form; [[Irenaeus]] ( <i> Adv. Haer </i> ., iii.2, 3), [[Ambrosiaster]] (on &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:10; &nbsp;Ephesians 4:11 ), Chrysostom (Hom 9 in <i> Ep. ad Tim </i> ), in an unequivocal statement, the "presbyters of old were called bishops ... and the bishops presbyters," equally unequivocally Jerome ( <i> Ad Tit </i> , 1, 7), "the same is the presbyter, who is also the bishop." [[Augustine]] and other [[Fathers]] of the 4th and 5th centuries hold this view, and even Peter Lombard, who preceded Aquinas as the great teacher of the church of the Middle Ages. [[Hatch]] of Oxford and Harnack of Berlin, in the face of all t his testimony, maintain a distinction between the presbyters, as having charge of the law and discipline of the church, and the bishops, as being charged with the pastoral care of the church, preaching and worship. This theory is built upon the argument of prevailing social conditions and institutions, as adopted and imitated by the church, rather than on sound textual proof. The distinction between presbyters and bishops can only be maintained by a forced exegesis of the Scriptures. The later and rapid growth of the hierarchical idea arose from the accession of the Ebionite Christian view of the church, as a necessary continuation of the Old Testament dispensation, which has so largely influenced the history of the inner development of the church in the first six centuries of her existence. </p> Anglican View <p> I. Episcopacy Defined </p> <p> <i> Episcopacy </i> is the government in the Christian church by bishops. The rule of the Orthodox churches in the East, of the Roman Catholics, and of the Anglicans is that the consecration of other bishops, and the ordination of priests and deacons can only be by a bishop; and with them, a bishop is one who claims historic descent from apostolic or sub-apostolic times. </p> <p> II. [[Offices]] in the Early Church </p> <p> In the New Testament, the office of bishop is not clearly defined. Indeed there appear to have been many degrees of ministry in the infant church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, presbyters or elders, bishops or overseers, and deacons. </p> <p> [[Due]] allowance is not generally made for the mental attitude of the apostles and early Christians. They were looking for the speedy return of Christ, and consequently did not organize the church in its infancy, as it was afterward found necessary to do. For this reason, while the different persons who composed the body of Christian ministers did not overlap or infringe on each other's work, yet the relative rank or priority of each minister was not clearly defined. </p> 1. Apostles <p> The apostles were undoubtedly first, and in them rested the whole authority, and they were the depository of the power committed unto them by Christ. </p> 2. [[Prophets]] <p> Next to the apostles in rank, and first in point of mention (&nbsp;Acts 11:27 ), came the prophets. So important were these officers in the early church that they were sent from Jerusalem to warn the rapidly growing church at [[Antioch]] of an impending famine. Then it appears that there were resident prophets at Antioch, men of considerable importance since their names are recorded, Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius, [[Manaen]] and Saul (&nbsp;Acts 13:1 ). These men received a command from the Holy Spirit to "separate me Barnabas and Saul," on whom they laid their hands and sent them forth on their work. The election is conducted on the same lines as the election by the eleven apostles of Matthias, and Barnabas and Paul are hereafter called apostles. It is an ordination to the highest order in the Christian ministry by "prophets and teachers." Whether "prophets and teachers" refers to two distinct ministries, or whether they are terms used for the same one is uncertain. It may be that of the five men mentioned, some were prophets, and others teachers. </p> <p> In &nbsp;Acts 15:32 we have given us the names of two other prophets, [[Judas]] and Silas. Paul tells the Corinthians (&nbsp; 1 Corinthians 12:28 ) that God hath set some in his church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, and writing to the Ephesians he places the prophets in the same rank. "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry" (&nbsp;Ephesians 4:11 , &nbsp;Ephesians 4:12 the King James Version). And again, he says that the mystery of Christ is now "revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit" (&nbsp; Ephesians 3:5 ). The same apostle in that wonderful imagery of Christians being built up for a habitation of God, says they are "being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone" (&nbsp;Ephesians 2:20 ). </p> <p> In the case of the ordination of Timothy, which Paul says distinctly was by his own laying on of hands and that of the presbytery, it is of great consequence to note that Paul says to Timothy that his ordination was "according to the prophecies which went before on thee" (&nbsp;1 Timothy 1:18 the King James Version). From this it would appear that the prophets, as in the case of Paul himself, guided by the Holy Ghost, chose Timothy for the overseership or bishopric, or it may be, which is just as likely, that Timothy was set apart by the laying on of hands by some prophets, to the rank of elder or presbyter which did not carry with it the "overseership." It is at any rate evident that in the selection of Timothy, Paul is insistent on pointing out that it was through the prophets (compare &nbsp; 1 Timothy 1:18; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14; &nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6 ). </p> <p> In Revelation, the term prophet constantly occurs as a term denoting rank equivalent to that of apostle: "ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets" (&nbsp;Revelation 18:20 ); "blood of prophets and of saints" (&nbsp;Revelation 16:6; &nbsp;Revelation 18:24 ). The angel calls himself "thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets" (&nbsp;Revelation 22:9 the King James Version). The words prophesy and prophesying are used in a general sense, and it does not mean that they were in every case the formal utterances of prophets. </p> 3. Elders or Presbyters <p> The ministry of the elders of the Christian church was modeled after that of the synagogue in which there were elders and teachers. The Christian elders or presbyters were most likely a council of advice in each local Christian <i> ''''' ekklesia ''''' </i> ̌ . They appear to act conjointly and not separately (&nbsp;Acts 15:4 , &nbsp;Acts 15:6 , &nbsp;Acts 15:22; &nbsp;Acts 16:4; &nbsp;Acts 20:17; &nbsp;James 5:14 ). </p> 4. Teachers <p> Teachers were the equivalent of those teachers or catechists of the synagogue before whom our Lord was found in the temple. </p> 5. [[Evangelists]] <p> Evangelists were persons who probably had the gift of oratory and whose function it was to preach the glad tidings. [[Philip]] was one of them (&nbsp;Acts 21:8 ). In the instructions to Timothy he is bidden to do the work of an evangelist, that is to say, to preach the gospel. This was to be part of his work in the ministry. </p> <p> In writing to Timothy, Paul twice says that he himself was ordained preacher, and apostle and teacher. This does not mean that he held three grades of the ministry, but that his duties as an apostle were to preach and to teach. The fact that the apostles called themselves elders does not thereby confirm the view that the bishops mentioned by them were not superior to elders, any more than the fact that the apostles called themselves teachers, or preachers, makes for the view that teachers, or preachers, were the equals of apostles. </p> 6. Bishops <p> Bishops or overseers were probably certain elders chosen out of the body of local elders. Under the Jewish dispensation, the elders stayed at home, that is, they did no ministerial visiting, but it was soon found necessary as the Christian church grew to have someone to attend to outside work to win over by persuasion and exposition of the Scriptures those inclined to embrace Christianity. This necessitated visiting families in their own homes. Then, it became necessary to shepherd the sheep. Someone had to oversee or superintend the general work. The Jewish elders always had a head and in a large synagogue the conditions laid down for its head, or <i> ''''' legatus ''''' </i> , were almost identical with those laid down by Paul to Timothy. He was to be a father of a family, not rich or engaged in business, possessing a good voice, apt to teach, etc. </p> <p> The term <i> ''''' episkopos ''''' </i> was one with which the Hellenistic Jews and Gentiles were well acquainted; and it became Thus a fitting term by which to designate the men called out of the body of elders to this special work of oversight. Then, again, the term <i> ''''' episkopos ''''' </i> was endeared to the early Christians as the one applied to our Lord - "the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (&nbsp;1 Peter 2:25 ). The duties of elders, or presbyters, are not clearly defined in the New Testament. </p> <p> In the Acts, the term is found only twice, one in reference to Judas, "his bishopric (or overseership) let another take" (&nbsp;Acts 1:20 the King James Version), and in Paul's address to the elders of Ephesus, he warns them to feed the church over which they have been made overseers or bishops (&nbsp; Acts 20:28 ). It is impossible to say whether this "overseership" refers to all the elders addressed, or to such of those elders as had been made "overseers," or "bishops." </p> <p> In the epistles, we find the church more clearly organized, and in these writings we find more definite allusions to bishops and their duties (&nbsp;Philippians 1:1; &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:1 , &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:2; &nbsp;Titus 1:7; &nbsp;1 Peter 2:25 ). </p> <p> Paul tells Timothy, "If a man desire the office of a bishop (or overseer) he desireth a good work." "A bishop (or overseer) must be blameless" (&nbsp;1 Timothy 3:1 , &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:2 the King James Version). He tells Titus that "he is to ordain elders in every city" and that a "bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God" (&nbsp; Titus 1:5 , &nbsp;Titus 1:7 the King James Version). </p> <p> On the other hand, there are numerous texts where elders and their duties are mentioned and where there is no reference whatever to bishopric or oversight. The epistles show that of necessity there had grown to be a more distinct organization of the ministry, and that following the custom of the synagogue to some of the elders had been committed a bishopric or oversight. At the same time the rank of a bishop, or overseer, was not yet one of the highest. Paul does not enumerate it in the order of ministry which he gives to the Ephesians - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. </p> <p> That Timothy had an oversight over the elders or presbyters is evident from the fact that Paul enjoins him to rebuke those that sin: "Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Them that sin reprove in the sight of all" (&nbsp;1 Timothy 5:19 , &nbsp;1 Timothy 5:20 ). This, of course, refers to a formal trial by one in authority of persons inferior to him in rank. </p> <p> It has been asserted that the terms elder and bishop in the New Testament were equivalent and denoted the same office or grade in the ministry. This assertion seems unwarranted. They do not naturally denote the same grade any more than do apostle and teacher, or angel and prophet. </p> 7. Deacons <p> The deacons were the seven appointed to take charge of the temporal affairs of the church. Their appointment was perhaps suggested by the alms-collectors of the synagogue. In the New Testament they do not appear as deacons to have had any part in the sacred ministry, except, in the case of Philip the evangelist, if it be assumed that he was a deacon, which is uncertain. Nowhere is it recorded that they laid hands on anyone, or were considered as capable of bestowing any grace. In the epistles they are mentioned with the bishops - "bishops and deacons" (&nbsp;Philippians 1:1 ), Thus showing the nature of their influence as the helpers of the "bishops" in the management of the growing funds, or properties of the church. </p> <p> III. Episcopacy According to the New Testament </p> <p> The passages where the Greek word occurs which has been translated either as bishops, or overseers, are so few that they are enumerated: &nbsp;Acts 20:17 , &nbsp;Acts 20:28 : the Ephesian elders are stated to be bishops (or overseers) to feed the church; &nbsp; Philippians 1:1 the salutation of Paul and Timothy to bishops (or overseers) and deacons at Philippi; &nbsp; 1 Timothy 3:1 , &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:2 and &nbsp; Titus 1:7 give the exhortation to Timothy and Titus as holding the office of a bishop; &nbsp; 1 Peter 2:25 , where the apostle referring to Christ says, "unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." </p> <p> IV. The " <i> Didache </i> " </p> <p> Passing out of the New Testament, we come to the early Christian writing, the so-called Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Setting aside the question for what class of Christians this document was intended, the clear fact stands out that at the date of its writing the two highest grades in the Christian ministry were still called apostles and prophets. Various dates have been assigned to this document ranging from 80 to 160 ad. </p> <p> At the end of chapter 10, which deals with the thanksgiving or eucharist, the remark is made, "But permit the prophets to make thanksgiving as much as they desire." [[Chapters]] 11 and 13 deal with apostles and prophets. They were to be treated "according to the ordinance of the gospel." An apostle was not to be allowed to stay more than a couple of days at the utmost, and in no case was he to receive any money, else he was to be considered "a false prophet." A prophet could beg on behalf of others, but not for himself; but a prophet could settle among a congregation, and in that case he was to receive the same first-fruits "of money and raiment and of every possession" as the chief priest did under the old dispensation. It is to be noted that in reality the prophets, though placed second in order, were to be treated with the greater respect. If the prophet settles down, he becomes the man of the first rank in that Christian community. </p> <p> [[Chapter]] 15 deals with bishops and deacons, and we are told that if appointed they rendered the ministry of prophets and teachers, but the warning is given, "Despise them not, therefore, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers." This shows that bishops were localized; and that while they could be appointed over a community, they were not considered as of equal rank with the prophets. </p> <p> V. Clement of Rome </p> <p> Clement of Rome in his Epistle to the Corinthians says that the apostles preaching through countries and cities appointed the first-fruits of their labors to be bishops and deacons (chapter 42). It is usually said that Clement meant elders by the term "bishops," but it is much more likely that he meant what he said; that according to the tradition received by him, the apostles appointed bishops, that is, appointed bishops out of the elders - mentioned in the Acts. In chapter 44 Clement warns against the sin of ejecting from the episcopate those who have presented the offerings, and says, "Blessed are those presbyters who have finished their course." </p> <p> The reason why the terms apostles and prophets fell into desuetude was, as regards the first, not so much out of respect to the original apostles, but because the apostles in the sub-apostolic age became apparently only wandering evangelists of little standing; while the prophets lowered their great office by descending to be soothsayers, as the Shepherd of Hermas plainly intimates. With the fall of the apostles and the prophets, there rose into prominence the bishops and deacons. </p> <p> VI. Bishops and Deacons </p> <p> The deacons acted as secretaries and treasurers to the bishops. They were their right-hand men, representing them in all secular matters. As the numbers of Christians increased, it was found absolutely necessary for the bishops to delegate some of their spiritual authority to a second order. </p> <p> VII. Bishops and Presbyters (Priests) </p> <p> Thus very slowly emerged out of the body of elders the official presbyters or priests. To them the bishop delegated the power to teach, to preach, to baptize, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist; but how slowly is evidenced by the fact that so late as 755 ad the Council of Vern forbade priests to baptize, except by distinct permission of their bishop. </p> <p> VIII. Ignatian Epistles on the three Orders </p> <p> When we come to the Ignatian epistles written between 110-17 ad, we find a distinct threefold order. We have given us the names of Damas, for bishop, [[Bassus]] and [[Apollonius]] for presbyters, Zotion for deacon. Throughout these epistles there is no question that the bishop is supreme. Apostles and prophets are not even mentioned. The bishop succeeds to all the powers the apostles and prophets had. On the other hand, as with the Jewish elders, so with the Christian presbyters, they form a council with the bishop. Here we see in clear day what we had all along suspected to be the case in apostolic times: a council of presbyters with a ruler at their head and deacons to attend to money matters. </p> <p> It is quite immaterial as to whether a bishop had ten or a hundred presbyter-elders under him, whether he was bishop in a small town or in a large city. The question of numbers under him would not affect his authority as has been claimed. The greatness of the city in which he exercised this rule would add dignity to his position, but nothing to his inherent authority. </p> <p> From this time on it is admitted by all that bishops, priests and deacons have been continuously in existence. Their powers and duties have varied, have been curtailed as one order has encroached on the power of the other, but still there the three orders have been. Gradually the presbyters or priests encroached on the power of the bishop, till now, according to Anglican usage, only the power of ordaining, confirming and consecrating churches is left to them. </p> <p> IX. Views of [[Reformers]] </p> <p> At the time of the [[Reformation]] there was a great outcry against bishops. This was caused by the fact that under feudalism the bishops had come to be great temporal lords immersed in schemes of political and material aggrandizement, and often actually leading their armies in times of war. Many of the bishops were proud and arrogant, forgetful that their duties as fathers of the children of Christ were to look after those committed to them with fatherly kindness and charity or that as pastors they had to tend the erring sheep with Divine patience and infinite love. </p> <p> The bulk of the adherents to the [[Reformed]] religion, looking upon the bishops as they were and as their fathers had known them, recoiled from retaining the office, although their principal men, like Calvin, deplored the loss of bishops, and hoped that bishops of the primitive order would some day be restored. The present modern Anglican bishop seems to sum up in his person and office the requirements laid down by Calvin. </p> <p> [[Conclusion]] </p> <p> Thus the claim put forth by the Anglicans in the preface to the [[Ordinal]] may be considered as sound: "It is evident unto all men, diligently reading Holy Scripture and ancient Authors, that from the Apostles' time there have been these Orders of Ministers in Christ's Church - B ishops, Priests, and Deacons." </p> Literature <p> Teaching of the Twelve Apostles; Clement of Rome; Shepherd of Hermas; Ignatian epistles; Muratorian Fragment; Works of John Lightfoot; Duchesne, <i> Origines du Culte [[Chrétien]] </i> ; Pellicia, <i> [[Polity]] of the Christian Church </i> ; Bishop MacLean, <i> [[Ancient]] Church Orders </i> ; Cheetham, <i> Hist of the Christian Church during the First Six Centuries </i> ; Salmon, <i> Introduction to New Testament </i> ; Elwin, <i> The [[Minister]] of [[Baptism]] </i> ; Cruttwell, <i> Literary History of Early Christianity </i> ; Potter, <i> Church [[Government]] </i> ; Lowndes, <i> Vindication of Anglican Orders </i> ; E. Hatch, <i> The [[Organization]] of the Early Christian Churches </i> ; C. Gore, <i> The Church and the [[Ministry]] </i> ; Thompson, <i> Historic [[Episcopate]] </i> (Presbyterian); Baird, <i> [[Huguenots]] </i> . </p> Congregational View <p> 1. The New Testament Church a [[Spiritual]] [[Democracy]] </p> <p> As a spiritual and social democracy, Congregationaliam finds no warrant or precedent in the New Testament for the episcopal conception of the words "bishop," "presbyter," and "eider." It interprets ἐπίσκοπος , <i> ''''' épiskopos ''''' </i> , literally as <i> overseer </i> - not an ecclesiastical dignitary but a spiritual minister. It finds the Romanist view of Peter's primacy, founded alone on &nbsp; Matthew 16:18 , contradicted by the entire trend of Christ's teaching, as e.g. when referring to the Gentiles exercising <i> lordship </i> and <i> authority </i> Christ says, "Not so shall it be among you" (&nbsp; Matthew 20:26 ). He set the precedent of official greatness when He said "the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister," and that "whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister (servant)." Paul's testimony confirms this in suggesting no primacy among the apostles and prophets, but making "Christ ... himself ... the chief corner stone" (&nbsp;Ephesians 2:20 ). The organization and history of the early Christian church establish this view of its simplicity and democracy. In &nbsp;Acts 1:20 the Revised Version (British and American) corrects the rendering "bishopric" (given by the King James translators, who were officers in the Episcopal church) to "office," Thus, relieving the verse of possible ecclesiastical pretensions. </p> <p> The church formed on the day of [[Pentecost]] was the <i> spontaneous </i> coming together of the original 120 disciples and the 3,000 Christian converts, for fellowship, worship and work, under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Its only creed was belief in the risen Christ and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit; its only condition of membership, repentance and baptism. </p> <p> 2. [[Election]] of Officers by [[Popular]] [[Vote]] </p> <p> The apostles naturally took leadership but, abrogating all authority, committed to the church as a whole the choice of its officers and the conduct of its temporal and spiritual affairs. Judas' place in the apostolate was not filled by succession or episcopal appointment (&nbsp;Acts 1:23-26 ). The seven deacons were elected by popular vote (&nbsp;Acts 6:1-6 ). One of the seven - P hilip - preached and, without protest, administered the rite of baptism (&nbsp;Acts 8:12 , &nbsp;Acts 8:13 ). </p> <p> The churches in the apostolic era were independent and self-governing, and the absence of anything like a centralized ecclesiastical authority is seen by the fact that the council at Jerusalem, called to consider whether the church at Antioch should receive the uncircumcised into membership, was a delegated body, composed in part of lay members, and having only <i> advisory </i> power (Acts 15:1-29). </p> <p> 3. The Epistles Not [[Official]] Documents </p> <p> The apostolic letters, forming so large a part of the New Testament, are not official documents but letters of loving pastoral instruction and counsel. The terms bishops, elders, pastors and teachers are used synonymously and interchangeably, Thus limiting the officers of the early church to two orders: pastors and deacons. See also [[Church Government]]; [[Didache]] . </p> <p> 4. [[Restoration]] of Primitive Ideals </p> <p> Under the spiritual tyrannies of the Church of England, during the reigns of Henry VIII, [[Edward]] VI, "bloody" Mary and 'Queen Elizabeth, the Dissenting bodies, chiefly the Congregationalists, returned to the simplicity and spiritual freedom of the primitive church. The issue was forced by two arbitrary acts of [[Parliament]] under Elizabeth: the Act of [[Supremacy]] and the Act of Uniformity. [[Emancipation]] from the intellectual and religious tyranny of these acts was won at the cost of many martyrdoms. These struggles and persecutions wrought into the successors of [[Robert]] Browne, the father of modern Congregationalism, a deep-seated and permanent resentment against all forms of autocratic power in church and state. They challenged, at the cost of life, both the Divine Right of kings, and of bishops. They believed that in Christ Jesus all believers are literally and inalienably made "kings and priests unto God" (&nbsp;Revelation 1:6 the King James Version), actual spiritual sovereigns, independent of all human dictation an d control in matters of belief and worship. The Pilgrims expatriated themselves to secure this spiritual liberty; and to their inherent antagonism to inherited and self-perpetuated power, whether civil or ecclesiastical, must be credited the religious freedom and civil democracy of America. </p> Literature <p> For further study see Henry M. Dexter, <i> [[Congregationalism]] </i> , chapter ii; Dunning's <i> Congregationalists in [[America]] </i> , chapters i, ii: Rainy, <i> The Ancient Catholic Church </i> . </p>