Development of Church Government

Question 1

What models of church leadership are outlined in the New Testament?

Answer 1

The New Testament outlines elders (presbyters), overseers (bishops), and deacons as models of church leadership.

Question 2

What does the Jerusalem Council, mentioned in Acts 15, show about early Christian governance?

Answer 2

The Jerusalem Council provides an example of collective decision-making, suggesting an early form of conciliar governance. [Church Councils]

Question 3

According to the Paul’s Letters, what qualities should church leaders possess?

Answer 3

Church leaders should demonstrate humility, spiritual maturity, and teaching ability.

Question 4

What is the main issue addressed in 1 Clement?

Answer 4

The main issue is the removal of presbyters from office, with a focus on the development of church hierarchy and apostolic succession.

Question 5

What tension does the Didache highlight in early Christian ministry?

Answer 5

The Didache highlights the tension between itinerant (traveling) ministries and resident ministries.

Question 6

How does the Shepherd of Hermas illustrate early church governance?

Answer 6

It illustrates a church governed by presbyters.

Question 7

What significant form of church leadership is introduced in Ignatius’ letters?

Answer 7

Ignatius introduces the monarchical episcopacy, a single bishop assisted by presbyters and deacons, and the emergence of a three-fold ministry structure.

Question 8

How does Justin Martyr describe church leadership in “First Apology”?

Answer 8

He mentions “the president [bishop] of the brothers” overseeing the Eucharist and preaching, with deacons assisting in distributing the bread and wine.

Question 9

How does Irenaeus’ view on episcopal [church] governance contrast with Ignatius’ views?

Answer 9

Irenaeus supports diocesan episcopacy. This is the overseeing of multiple churches by a bishop. He uses the terms bishop and presbyter interchangeably, focusing on the central role of bishops in church unity and defence against heresy. This differs from Ignatius’ focus on the three-fold ministry.

Question 10

How did Tertullian argue against Gnostic claims?

Answer 10

Tertullian, like Irenaeus, used the concept of apostolic succession to argue against Gnostic claims.

Question 11

What distinction did Tertullian make between the early Christian ministry roles?

Answer 11

Tertullian differentiated between bishops and presbyters, establishing a clear threefold ministry by the 3rd century.

Question 12

Who did Tertullian consider the primary figure to perform baptism?

Answer 12

Tertullian saw the bishop as the primary figure to perform baptism, with rights to delegate to presbyters, deacons, and laity, excluding women.

Question 13

What were Tertullian’s views on the roles of women in the church?

Answer 13

He restricted women from speaking in church, baptising, or offering Eucharist but acknowledged their ability to prophesy.

Question 14

Who first spoke of ministry in terms of “priesthood?”

Answer 14

Tertullian was the first to speak of ministry in terms of “priesthood,” making the term ‘priest’ specific to ministers, especially bishops.

Question 15

Why is Cyprian known as “the Ignatius of the West”?

Answer 15

Cyprian’s strong emphasis on bishops and their role in the church greatly influenced the institutionalisation of the Church, earning him the title “the Ignatius of the West.”

Question 16

What was Cyprian’s key argument in “On the Unity of the Catholic Church”?

Answer 16

Cyprian argued that church unity centres around the bishops as successors of the apostles, with versions of his work highlighting both the equal status of all bishops and the role of the Bishop of Rome as Peter’s successor.

Question 17

How did Cyprian view the relationship between bishops?

Answer 17

Cyprian emphasised the shared responsibility and equality of all bishops within the church’s totality.

Question 18

What did Cyprian believe about the role of bishops in the church?

Answer 18

Cyprian stressed that bishops are essential for valid church ministries, famously stating, “the bishop is in the Church, and the Church in the bishop.”

Question 19

How did Cyprian believe bishops should be appointed, and what was his stance on their involvement in secular affairs?

Answer 19

Cyprian believed the appointment of bishops should involve neighbouring bishops and the laity’s approval, emphasising moral integrityof the choice for bishop. He argued for bishops to abstain from [stay out of] secular affairs. He highlighted bishops’ independence in their own churches, and interdependence through mutual consultation about important decisions.

Question 20

What was the three-tiered/ three-fold hierarchy of the early Christian Church?

Answer 20

The hierarchy consisted of bishops (successors of the Apostles, responsible for teaching, governing, and sacramental roles), presbyters (assisting bishops and evolving into the priesthood), and deacons (involved in service and charity).

Question 21

What were the main responsibilities of bishops in the early Church?

Answer 21

Bishops were considered successors of the Apostles and were responsible for teaching, governing, and overseeing sacramental roles.

Question 22

How did Cyprian view the equality among bishops, and what changed?

Answer 22

Initially, Cyprian argued for equality among bishops, but the emergence of metropolitan bishops based on apostolic origins or political importance led to a hierarchical structure in the Church.

Question 23

What authority did metropolitan bishops gain?

Answer 23

Metropolitan bishops gained authority over other bishops in their provinces, presided over synods[church councils], and had the power to ordain bishops and oversee discipline.

Question 24

Who were considered Patriarchs in the early Church?

Answer 24

Patriarchs were a higher rank among metropolitans, including the bishops of Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Constantinople, recognised by the Council of Nicaea (325 AD).

Question 25

What early texts indicated Rome’s significance in the Church?

Answer 25

Paul’s Letter to the Romans, 1 Clement, Ignatius’ acknowledgment, and writings like Shepherd of Hermas and Justin Martyr implied Rome’s significant role, albeit without clear supremacy at this early stage.

Question 26

What contributed to the shift to the primacy of the Roman church?

Answer 26

Late 2nd-century lists of bishops by Irenaeus and Tertullian, Irenaeus’ claim of the Roman Church’s primacy based on its foundation by the apostles Peter and Paul.

Question 27

How did Victor, Bishop of Rome, contribute to the idea of Roman primacy?

Answer 27

Victor attempted to assert authority over other Churches in the Easter-date controversy in 190 AD, but faced rejection from Eastern bishops and Irenaeus.

Question 28

What was Stephen, Bishop of Rome’s, claim to authority, and how was it received?

Answer 28

Stephen claimed authority as Peter’s successor based on Matthew 16:18; however, this was rejected by Cyprian.

Question 29

What factors contributed to the gradual ascendancy of the Bishop of Rome?

Answer 29

Rome’s status as the empire’s capital, the tradition of the Roman Chuch’s apostolic foundation, and being the only church of such stature in the West contributed to the Bishop of Rome’s ascendancy.

Question 30

How did the Eastern Church respond to the centralisation of episcopal authority?

Answer 30

The Eastern Church continually resisted the centralisation of episcopal authority, underscored by the presence of multiple patriarchates in the East.