6/14/21
Schaff, Philip. "Apostolic and Post-Apostolic Forms of Government." The Oldest Church Manual Called the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1886, 64-67.
Schaff observes that the earliest church polity we know of leaves us with apostles and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper (Schaff 1886, 64). The canonical Acts adds prophets, teachers, evangelists, elders, and, in some localities, deacons. These people exercise various gifts. Schaff notes that the detailed lists are often incomplete and not heirarchical (Schaff 1886, 65). He does observe that apparently one congregation could have multiple bishops, and that the words "bishop," "presbyter," "elder," and even sometimes "father" could be used synonymously. Schaff's analysis is replete with biblical references.
Schaff further points out that considerable development in the articulation of these offices comes about gradually by the third century (Schaff 1886, 66). By the third century, the apostolic office is absent, the priestly class has three divisions, and the diaconate is divided into numerous "minor orders." Among the bishops those in the major matropolitan centers take on more honor and authority.
Schaff concludes that the Didache "stands between the Apostolic organization of the first century and the Episcopal organization of the second, and fills the gap between the two" (Schaff 1886, 66). In this way it is similar to Clement of Rome and the Shepherd of Hermas.
My blog posts are gradually going to be more focused on the first century doument called the Didache as I work toward completion of my doctoral dissertation. Posts regarding books and articles will no longer be on a weekly series schedule, but will be moving more toward daily progress as books I have been walking through reach their conclusions.