Читать книгу The Ancient Church - W. D. Killen - Страница 48

Apostles sought, first, the conversion of sinners, and then the

edification of their converts, 605

No general union of Churches originally, 606

But intercourse in various ways maintained, ib.

Synods did not commence about the middle of the second century, 607

A part of the original constitution of the Church, ib.

At first held on a limited scale, 609

Reason why we have no account of early Synods, ib.

First notice of Synods, 610

Synods held respecting the Paschal controversy, 611

Found in operation everywhere before the end of the second century, ib.

Tertullian does not say that Synods commenced in Greece, 612

Why he notices the Greek Synods, 613

Amphictyonic Council did not suggest the establishment of Synods, 615

Synods originally met only once a-year, ib.

Began to meet in fixed places in Greece and Asia Minor, 616

Met twice a-year in the beginning of the fourth century, ib.

Synods in third century respecting re-baptism, 617

Synods at Antioch respecting Paul of Samosata, 618

Early Synods composed of bishops and elders, 619

Deacons and laymen had no right of voting, ib.

Churches not originally independent, 620

Utility of Synods, 621

Circumstances which led to a change in their constitution, ib.

Decline of primitive polity, 622