The Rise of the Monarchical Episcopate

Abstract

"It is generally recognized that by the time of Irenaeus (ca. A.D. 185) the monarchical episcopate with its threefold ministry of bishop ( &zimoxo<) elders (xpeapb~spo)t and deacons ( 8~&xovo)t had well-nigh universally replaced what is often considered an earlier organizational pattern of a twofold ministry of bishops or elders (that is, bishops-elders) and deacons. The question of how and when the monarchical episcopate developed has occasioned much discussion, some of which has been based more on modern theological concepts than on a careful consideration of the ancient historical sources"