Scholarly Reflections
Bardy, G. (Trans. P.W. Singleton). "Chapter Three: The Church and the Churches: The Hierarchy." The Church at the End of the First Century. London: Sands & Co. 1938, 69-90.
Within Christianity at the end of the first century, Bardy observes that the Christian had an identity as part of a local church, and that normally there was one church per city (Bardy 1938, 69). This was a departure from Jewish practice, where the different social classes would attend different synagogues. Though the church congregations were self-sufficient, it may be significant that Ignatius refers to himself as Bishop of Syria, rather than of Antioch, suggesting that the bishop and church of a larger community may beel some responsibility for those in smaller, surrounding communities (Bardy 1938, 70).
Bardy sees the interconnectedness of local churches as indicative of an understanding that there is one overarching Church, wherever Christians are found (Bardy 1938, 70).
Clement, in particular, spoke of a hierarchical structure in the local congregation. It is clear from 1 Clement 37-38 that his concern is for order, rather than to raise some to leadership and isolate others (Bardy 1938, 72). The leaders in the hierarchy are those appointed by the apostles as bishops, and those who received leadership responsibilities in a direct line from those (Bardy 1938, 73). These bishops, as well as deacons , were the officers recognized in the canonical Scriptures, in the Didache, and in Clement. There may be several in the community, recognized by the congregation as a whole (Bardy 1938, 74). In particular, Ignatius speaks of the responsibility of the congregation to heed the bishops (Bardy 1938, 75-76). Additionally, Bardy observes that Ignatius makes a distinction in his description of leaders. He recognizes presbyters as distinct from bishops, who guide the presbyters as they leade their local congregations. The bishop guides a number of presbyters (Bardy 1938, 77). Bardy considers that Ignatius seems to understand this as a well established pattern which needs no discussion.
Wandering preachers are discussed at some length in the Didache. Bardy observes that they were not part of the recognized hierarchy and that thtye were treated with some level of suspicion (Bardy 1938, 81). Bardy considers the Didache reference to the preachers and to prophets as a reference to the same group of people. They were not to be provided for very generously, and were not to stay long, but were welcome to teach and pray (Bardy 1938, 82). The topic of Christian unity would have been important, especially as the apostles were no longer available for consultation. Bardy notes that the idead of the local churches as part of one overarching Church would serve to hold them together. Travel and letters were common (Bardy 1938, 85). Bardy observes that the letter of Isgnatius to Rome suggests that the church at Rome was emerging as a leader in his time. This is evidenced by the more eloquent greeting at the head of his letter (Bardy 1938, 86). This may have been due to their reputation for charity or it may have been related to the status of Rome itself as the seat of a major international power. Bardy considers the reason inconclusive (Bardy 1938, 87). Nevertheless, not only does Ignatius speak deferentially of Rome, but we can also note thtat Clement of Rome speaks with an expectation of influence on other churches. It seems Rome is becoming a leader (Bardy 1938, 89).