ΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ AND ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΣ IN THE PASTORAL EPISTLES: THE GOVERNING STRUCTURE OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES?
Abstract
The ambiguities in the definition of ἐπίσκοπος and πρεσβύτερος in the
Pastoral Epistles gave rise to speculations about the hierarchical structures of the early
Christian communities. Using modern definition of the terms, and certain readings of the
Ignatian corpus, some scholars argue that the existence of fully-fledged episcopal office is
evident at the time of the composition of the Pastoral Epistles (c. 125 AD).
The present article analyzed the relevant passages from the Pastorals (1 Tim 3:1-
13; 1 Tim 5:17 and Titus 1:5-9) and concluded that there is no evidence of a sacramental
distinction between ἐπίσκοπος and πρεσβύτερος in the Christian communities at the turn of
the second century AD.
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