The Growth of Episcopacy Key source: F. W. Mattox, The Eternal Kingdom: A History of the Church of Christ, Delight, Arkansas: Gospel Light Publishing Company, 1961.

Metropolitans The Council of Nicaea (325) exalted the bishops of Rome, Antioch and Alexandria to the position of patriarchs. –They were given charge over the church in their respective provinces placing all bishops under the authority of their metropolitans. –The bishop of Rome had authority over the bishops of Italy only, as the bishop of Alexandria had over Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis.

Rome’s Growing Influence Julius (341), bishop of Rome, wrote a council of Antioch. –He questioned that dispute should be settled at Rome as that is “the tradition handed down from the blessed Apostle Peter.” The Council of Sardica (343) agreed the retrial of bishops should be held in Rome to “honor the memory of the Apostle Peter. –The Bishop of Rome was to preside or appoint arbitrators.

Rome’s Growing Influence Damascus (376), Bishop of Rome, hired Jerome to translate the Bible into Latin. –Jerome appealed to him for a decision saying, “I think it my duty to consult the chair of Peter.” Theodosius I (380) recognized the bishop of Rome as “Pontif.” 150 bishops of the council of Constantinople (381) gave the bishop of Constantinople the first place of honor in the church next after the bishop of Rome. –This was over the bishops of Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem.

Rome’s Growing Influence Emperor Valentinian (382) agreed to back up with imperial force the decisions of the bishop of Rome affecting the trial of church officials. The Bishop of Rome (417) told African bishops, “Nothing should be taken as finally settled unless it came to the notice of this See, that any just pronouncement might be confirmed by all the authority of this See, and that the other churches might from thence gather what they should teach.” –Decrees from Rome had taken the place of Scripture in determining truth.

A Growing Divide African bishops (424) in the Synod at Carthage rejected the interference of the bishop of Rome. –They reminded him that at Nicaea the Metropolitan had authority in his own district. Valentinian III (445) decreed in favor of the Roman bishop’s having universal authority.

The Council of Chalcedon This council (541) reaffirmed the decision of the council of Constantinople (381) exalting the bishop of Constantinople. –They did not accept the idea of the “chair of Peter.” –“For to the throne of Old Rome, the Fathers gave privileges with good reason, because it was the imperial city. And the 150 bishops, with the same consideration in view gave equal privileges to the most holy throne of New Rome (Constantinople). –They gave the bishop of Constantinople the right to ordain the Metropolitans in the East, who had the responsibility of ordaining bishops under them.

Conflict Between East and West Until this time, there were five Metropolitans: Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople and Jerusalem. Rome in the West and Constantinople in the East had risen to greater prominence because of the position of these cities. –A conflict arose as to which should be dominant. The Council of Chalcedon decreed the two were equal.

The Battle of the Bishops Began at Nicaea At the council of Nicaea (325), an organization of the church was developed that paralleled the Roman government. –Patriarchs were given territory identical to provincial governors. –Church positions quickly developed matching the lower administrative offices. –It was natural to move upward. –Rome and Constantinople were decreed to be equal in authority.

Forces Which Were at Work Favored Rome The prestige of Rome was tremendous. –Valentinian referred to the “leading position of the city of Rome” in his Edict of 445 A.D. –Capital city of the world The church at Rome was well known in the areas of benevolence and sound doctrine. The tradition was quite strong that Peter and Paul founded the church and sealed their fate with martyrdom.

Forces Which Were at Work Favored Rome The idea that Peter was the first bishop of Rome was accepted early as incontrovertible. –Various passages of the NT were explained in a way to insist upon Peter’s identity as the foundation of the church –Mt. 16:18 was used from the time of Cyprian (250) onward. Rome had been the mother church for much missionary activity in Western Europe.

Forces Which Were at Work Favored Rome Rome received support from the Emperors who lived there. As the breach widened between Rome and Constantinople, many supported the Roman bishop out of resentment to the undue exultation of the Eastern bishop.

Developing Conditions in Constantinople In 527, Emperor Justinian gave the bishop of Constantinople the title of “Ecumenical Patriarch. Succeeding bishops tried to hold on to the title. John the Faster, as late as 588, claimed he was world bishop and that this honor belonged only to Constantinople.

Claims of Apostolic Succession Claims of Apostolic Succession soon favored the prominence of the Roman bishop. As early as the third century the bishops everywhere were looked upon as successors to the apostles. Since Rome was the only church in the West whose origin was ascribed to Peter, the Roman bishop considered himself a successor of Peter and vice-regent of God.

Looking to Rome for Leadership Rome took the lead in fighting heresy and other churches sought closer fellowship –The Roman bishop wrote letters promoting unity among the churches, with the unfortunate result that his “advice” became “authoritative decree.” Imperial administration broke down under barbarian invasions and the Roman bishop took over.

Looking to Rome for Leadership African churches looked to Rome for guidance as they were oppressed by the Vandals. Eastern churches sought Roman approval while denying her presumed authority.

Prominent Personalities Leo I, who was later called “the Great,” became bishop of Rome in 440. –He served 20 years. –He stressed the theory of Roman supremacy on the basis of Apostolic succession. –He taught the Lord held the Roman bishop responsible for the care of all the churches. –He taught that other bishops were assistants to the Roman bishop in administration, but could not share his authority. Leo thus became the first pope.

Prominent Personalities Weaker men who were unable to defend Apostolic succession, so the bishops of Constantinople had another period of ascendancy. Gregory I, later “ the Great,” ruled 590 to 604. –The primacy of Peter and the Roman bishop as his successor was fully established –The episcopal order of government secured submission of worshipers to a system of priesthood –The pattern of paganism in which priests represented the gods and the emperor high priest had become customary

Conclusion The development of a pope was gradual. None of the Apostolic Fathers evidence such thinking. The Apologists and bishops of the early councils never had to reckon with papal authority.

Conclusion Christians today who respect the authority of the NT are forced to recognize the entire hierarchy as a human development. Such man made organization should be rejected in favor of the simple organization found in the New Testament—the last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ.