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Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter III.Alliance of Church and State and Its Influence on Public Morals and Religion." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 1856-1908). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library).
"§15. Support of the Clergy." (pp. 1865-1867).
Schaff observes that an advantage of the greater acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire was improved support of clergy. Because of the support which imperial and local governments provided to recognized religions, the clergy received a regular income in addition to the voluntary contributions (Schaff 2014, p. 1865). Some clergy were also involved in agriculture or other means of self-support, though this was prohibited in some synods. Schaff does note that the additional support sometimes led to moral character declines. Again, Schaff observes that some bishops were exemplary while others were not (Schaff 2014, p. 1866). In general, the luxury and dissipation were centered in urban centers.
"§ 16. Episcopal Jurisdiction and Intercession." (pp. 1867-1879).
In accord with historical practice and Jewish precedent, Christians of the early time after Constantine generally settled legal questions with the involvement of their bishops. After the church was legitimized, the judgment of bishops held the force of law (Schaff 2014, p. 1867). Further, Schaff notes that spiritual decisions could not be taken to civil courts. While this authority of bishops could check state power, it could also entangle bishops in matters of the state (Schaff 2014, p. 1868). The bishop could be pulled in different directions by loyalty to the church and to the state.
Part and parcel of the privilege of bishops was the freedom and responsibility to intercede with secular authorities on behalf of criminals and other people in difficult circumstances (Schaff 2014, p. 1868). The bishops became the de facto guardians of widows, orphans, and the poor. While it had a salutary effect on the weaker members of society, it could, of course, consume a great deal of time and effort. From a Lutheran point of view I observe it would lead to a confusion of the right hand and left hand kingdoms.
Churches additionally became places of asylum (Schaff 2014, p. 1869). Escaped slaves, debtors, and women in compromised situations, as well as those threatened by enmity could seek shelter in a church until the bishop would work out a solution for the trouble (Schaff 2014, p. 1870).