How the Early Church Was Governed Before the Papacy | John Calvin
Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - The Condition of the Ancient Church, and the Kind of Government in Use Before the PapacyBased on the sources, the ancient church organized its government to mirror Scriptural patterns, resulting in a system defined by administrative collaboration rather than monarchical hierarchy. Originally, the titles "bishop" and "presbyter" were synonymous, representing the same office of teaching and pastoring. The distinction between them emerged not by divine command, but as a practical human remedy to prevent schisms. To maintain…
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