Was the Early Church hierarchical (having different ranks of office)?

[ToxicReboMan]

If the Church that Jesus built is not hierarchical (having different ranks of office) then explain how deacons and bishops would not be evidence of a hierarchical Church.

Bishops (Greek is episkopoi)

"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." 1 Timothy 3:1 KJV

see also Acts 1:20, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:7

Elders/Priests (Greek is presbyteroi)

"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:" Titus 1:5 KJV

see also 1 Timothy 5:17, James 5:14

Deacons (Greek is diakonoi)

"For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 3:8 KJV

"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" Philippians 1:1 KJV

Just by looking for evidence in Scripture, The Early Church clearly had different ranks of office in the Bishops, Elders/Priests and Deacons. Thus, the Church was and is hierarchical.

 

[Iosias]

Just by looking for evidence in Scripture, The Early Church clearly had different ranks of office in the Bishops, Elders/Priests and Deacons. Thus, the Church was and is hierarchical.

Bishops and presbyters are the same office

 

[IamAdopted]

Maybe in roles we can see the Pastors elders and deacons but when it comes to salvation and where they stand they are equal footing at the cross.. For they also came to salvation through Christ as do the lay people. The lay people may not be deacons elders or pastors but they have their own callings and gifts from the Lord. For the True church is a body made up of Christ people. And the toe cannot say to the foot I have no need of you.

 

[ToxicReboMan]

Maybe in roles we can see the Pastors elders and deacons but when it comes to salvation and where they stand they are equal footing at the cross.. For they also came to salvation through Christ as do the lay people. The lay people may not be deacons elders or pastors but they have their own callings and gifts from the Lord. For the True church is a body made up of Christ people. And the toe cannot say to the foot I have no need of you.

I'm not talking about a priest's or deacon's standing with God as compared to lay people. God is impartial. I know that. You didn't really address the point of the OP. Hierarchical or not?

If a priest or bishop died while in office does that mean that the office is terminated? No, a successive bishop is then ordained through the laying of hands. There are plenty of examples of "laying of hands" in the New Testament.

 

[ToxicReboMan]

Bishops and presbyters are the same office

ah ok. Thanks for that. I wonder then what is the distinction between the two different greek words used.??

 

[Iosias]

I wonder then what is the distinction between the two different greek words used.??

This I believe will healp you greatly. The following i an extract:

1. Pastors: these are shepherds under Christ, the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls; who take the care of the flock, and feed it, as their name signifies; such were promised to be given under the gospel dispensation; and such Christ has given to his churches (Jer. 3:15; Eph. 4:11), and still gives; to whom he says, as he did to Peter, "Feed my lambs, feed my sheep," (John 21:15, 16). Who,

1a. Are the same with "teachers," according to Ephesians 4:11 "Some pastors and teachers;" not "some pastors" and "some teachers," as if they were different; but "and teachers," the kai or and, being exegetical, explaining what is meant by pastors, even such who are teachers, to instruct in the knowledge of divine things; which is the pastor’s work, to feed men with knowledge and understanding: and it may be observed, that in 1 Corinthians 12:28 where each of the officers of the church are enumerated, mention is made of "teachers," but "pastors" omitted, because they are the same; for they are not to be distinguished with respect to the place where they perform their work, as if the office of pastors was in the church, the flock they are to feed; but teachers or doctors in the school; whereas, it is certain, that a teacher is an officer in the church, as well as pastor (1 Cor. 12:28), nor are they to be distinguished as two distinct officers in the church, because of the subject of their ministry; the one, the pastor attending to exhortation, to things practical, and the teacher to things doctrinal, asserting, explaining, and defending the doctrines of the gospel, and refuting errors; since both belong to one and the same: if these were distinct, it should seem rather that teachers design gifted brethren, called to minister the word, but not to office power; and are only assistants to pastors in preaching, but not in the administration of the ordinances; yet it is pretty plain, that those who have a commission to teach, have also a commission to baptize, and to attend to whatsoever Christ has commanded; yea, it may be observed, that even extraordinary officers are called "teachers;" as apostles and prophets (Acts 13:1; 1 Tim. 2:7).

1b. These pastors and teachers are the same with "bishops," or overseers, whose business it is to feed the flock, they have the episcopacy or oversight of, which is the work pastors are to do; which office of a bishop is a good work; and is the only office in the church distinct from that of deacon,(1 Tim. 3:1, 8; Phil. 1:1).

1c. And these bishops are the same with "elders"[1]; when the apostle Paul had called together at Miletus the elders of the church at Ephesus, he addressed them as "overseers," episkopouv, "bishops," (Acts 20:17, 28) and when he says, he left Titus in Crete, to ordain elders in every city, he proceeds to give the qualifications of an elder, under the name of a bishop; "A bishop must be blameless," &c. plainly suggesting, that an elder and a bishop are the same (Titus 1:5-7) and the apostle Peter exhorts the "elders," to "feed the flock of God, taking the oversight," episkophv, acting the part of a bishop, or performing the office of one (1 Peter 5:1, 2).

1d. These pastors, teachers, bishops, and elders, are called rulers, guides, and governors. A pastor, or shepherd, is the governor and guide of his flock; a teacher, and a ruling elder are the same (1 Tim. 5:17). One qualification of a bishop is, that he know how to rule his own house; or how shall he take care of the church of God, to rule that well, which is a considerable branch of his office? (1 Tim. 3:1, 4, 5) these, indeed, are not to lord it over God’s heritage, or rule according to their own wills, in an arbitrary manner; but according to the laws of Christ, as King of saints; and then they are to be respected and obeyed; "Remember them that have the rule over you, and obey them;" for they are over the churches in the Lord, and under him as the great Lawgiver in his house; and though they are described as such who have the rule over churches, and are guides to them (Heb. 13:7, 17) yet they are the churches servants, for Jesus’s sake (2 Cor. 4:5).

1e. These are sometimes called the angels of the churches; so the pastors, elders, bishops, or overseers of the seven churches of Asia, are called the angels of the seven churches; and the pastor, elder, bishop, or overseer of the church at Ephesus, the angel of the church at Ephesus (Rev. 1:20, 2:1), so called because of their office, being sent of God, and employed by him in carrying messages of grace to the churches, and publishing the good tidings of salvation.

1f. They are said to be "ministers of Christ," or his "under rowers," as the word uphretav signifies (1 Cor. 4:1), the church is the ship or boat, which they work; Christ is the pilot, who is at the helm, under whom, and by whose direction, they row; and the oars they row with are the word, ordinances, and discipline they administer. And in the same place,

1g. They are called, "Stewards of the mysteries of God;" and sometimes, "Good stewards of the manifold Grace of God;" that is, of the more sublime truths of the gospel, and the various doctrines of divine grace (1 Peter 4:10) so a bishop or elder is called a "steward of God," (Titus 1:7) a steward in his house or family, to give to everyone in it their portion of meat in due season: and which office requires wisdom and faithfulness, to execute it aright (Luke 12:42; 1 Cor. 4:2).
​

 

[Iosias]

Also this

 

[Iosias]

http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Ecclesiology/Elders/

 

[Thekla]

Titus was bishop of Crete. Paul directed him to ordain presbyters.

 

[ToxicReboMan]

Titus was bishop of Crete. Paul directed him to ordain presbyters.

Thank you. Good point to bring up.

 

[E.C.]

Yes, the early Church had a hierarchal form of government/organization.

Bishops, priests and deacons.

 

[Hismessenger]

The early church was set up in the manner that it was to do two things.

The first was to have living witnesses to bear the gospel truth of Christ. The order was by their submission to the lead of the Spirit. You had the original eleven who walked with Christ and Paul. All chosen and taught by the Holy Spirit after Christs resurrection.

Tarry there in Jerusalem until you receive power, after this, the Holy Spirit is come upon you. This was the building of the church. It went from the Holy Spirit to the chosen apostles to whomever the spirit directed them to share His presence with. After He was come into the world, He became our teacher.

Gal 1:11¶But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Gal 1:12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ

These scripture tell us it is wrong to call another man master/teacher

Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your
Master, [even] Christ.

Rev 22:9Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

As you can see their was no true hierarchy by the verse from Rev.

So why does the religious world want to set authority over one another. Paul addressed this in his commentary on the gentiles who loved to lawd it over one another. Are we still stuck in this gentile mentality.

And lastly I say this which many will not receive. All those name postions were only for a season in the church. That season is long past and now our trust is suppose to be in the lead of the Holy Spirit. Our end results will all be the same, but our purpose as to how we are to get to that place is in the hands of the Holy Spirit. NOT MAN! Be not deceived for satan is devouring you with this lie.

hismessenger

 

[Hismessenger]

KJV - Mat 23:10 -Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ. King James Version 1611, 1769
NKJV - Mat 23:10 -"And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. New King James Version © 1982 Thomas Nelson
NLT - Mat 23:10 -And don't let anyone call you `Master,' for there is only one master, the Messiah. New Living Translation © 1996 Tyndale Charitable Trust
NIV - Mat 23:10 -Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ.

Footnote:
Or Messiah New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society
ESV - Mat 23:10 -“Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version © 2001 Crossway Bibles
NASB - Mat 23:10 -"Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, {that is,} Christ. New American Standard Bible © 1995 Lockman Foundation
RSV - Mat 23:10 -Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. Revised Standard Version © 1947, 1952.
ASV - Mat 23:10 -Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ. American Standard Version 1901 Info
Young - Mat 23:10 -nor may ye be called directors, for one is your director -- the Christ. Robert Young Literal Translation 1862, 1887, 1898 Info
Darby - Mat 23:10 -Neither be called instructors, for one is your instructor, the Christ. J.N.Darby Translation 1890 Info
Webster - Mat 23:10 -Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] Christ. Noah Webster Version 1833 Info
HNV - Mat 23:10 -Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Messiah. Hebrew Names Version 2000 Info

 

[E.C.]

To the Didache and other extra-Bible writings like the Early Church Fathers such as St. Ignatius of Antioch!

 

[Iosias]

Titus was bishop of Crete. Paul directed him to ordain presbyters.

But you here assume that bishop and presbyter are different.

 

[Thekla]

But you here assume that bishop and presbyter are different.

Actually, in the gk text, episkopon and presbyteros are the terms Paul uses.

Episkopos (as you likely know) means epi (over)
skopos (look, see), and had a particular meaning of "manage, monitor" in the greek.

The use of two distinct terms does indicate a difference in roles.

 

[Thekla]

In Acts chapter 1, Luke records Peter's use of the word "bishopric" in reference to Judas' position which needs to be filled.

Note that it is the apostles, following Pentecost, who "ordain" (laying on of hands) elders and deacons.

They also establish churches. The epistles record ongoing involvement (advice, encouragement, correction) of these churches.

 

[Iosias]

The use of two distinct terms does indicate a difference in roles.

In Acts 20:17 we read that St. Paul "called the elders of the church." Here the Greek word is presbuteros. To these same people in verse 28 St. Paul says "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God..." Here the term "overseers" is episkopos. The work of an elder is to oversee or in the Greek, the work of an presbuteros is to episkopos.

Now St. Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-3 writes "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

Here the term elder is presbuteros and the term oversight is episkopeō which means to oversee. So once again we find that elders are to oversee.

Finally I shall turn to the epistle of St. Paul to Titus. He writes to Titus "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee". Here the term translated "elders" is presbuteros and then St. Paul goes on to call these same people bishops (episkopos)in verse 7!!

This is conclusive proof from Scripture that the terms are interchangeable.

 

[Iosias]

In Acts chapter 1, Luke records Peter's use of the word "bishopric" in reference to Judas' position which needs to be filled.

The term being episkopē.

Note that it is the apostles, following Pentecost, who "ordain" (laying on of hands) elders and deacons.

Indeed the apostles ordained elders (Cf. Acts 14:23) or, as is the case of Titus, sent a delegate to do the work.

I find it interesting to find Timothy, who carried out a very similar work to Titus, being called an Evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5).

They also establish churches. The epistles record ongoing involvement (advice, encouragement, correction) of these churches.

Indeed but what do you hope to establish from this?

May I suggest that you read a copy of Elders in Every City: The Origin and Role of the Ordained Ministry:

 

[Thekla]

In Acts 20:17 we read that St. Paul "called the elders of the church." Here the Greek word is presbuteros. To these same people in verse 28 St. Paul says "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God..." Here the term "overseers" is episkopos. The work of an elder is to oversee or in the Greek, the work of an presbuteros is to episkopos.

Now St. Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-3 writes "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

Here the term elder is presbuteros and the term oversight is episkopeō which means to oversee. So once again we find that elders are to oversee.

Finally I shall turn to the epistle of St. Paul to Titus. He writes to Titus "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee". Here the term translated "elders" is presbuteros and then St. Paul goes on to call these same people bishops (episkopos)in verse 7!!

This is conclusive proof from Scripture that the terms are interchangeable.

By reference:

Acts -- the presbyteros "feeds and oversees" the local flock. Both the elders and bishops have this role (to this day). The elders do so directly, day to day. The overlap of roles does not negate the role exclusive to a bishop. The bishop further oversees the elders. (In this case, he calls them to meet as a group).

1 Peter -- my translation renders kliros as clergy. Again, the roles can overlap (and still do), with oversight on the local level the responsibility of the presbyteros. The bishop oversees many churches as well as presbyters, and is responsible for the ordination and oversight of the presbyters (plural).

Titus -- the qualifications refer to the bishop - and are mirrored in the epistle to Timothy.

The roles overlap and are interchangeable to a degree; the bishop can fulfill the role of presbyter. The scope of responsibility of the presbyter is more limited than the bishop,