A system of church government in which a single bishop supervises "all other office holders. This system triumphed in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, partly because of individuals with outstanding gifts and partly because of the need for tighter organizations" (L. Coenen, NIDNTT, I:192). The NT suggests that every local church was superintended by a number of bishops. This is the form of government found in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist churches.
Further Reading & Resources:
Kenneth A. Strand, "The Rise of the Monarchical Episcopcy," AUSS 1.4 (1966):65-88.
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