posted on May, 27 2009 @ 05:31 PM
It is interesting stuff. The New Testament Church is nothing like the Catholic Church.
The Apostles were given certain powers and abilities directly through Jesus, and then it is shown that those few select who the Apostles in turn laid
hands on could likewise perform certain miraculous functions.
But when the last Apostle died, and the last person died that they directly laid their hands on died, that was the last of the abilities to heal,
speak in tongues (multiple languages) and only Jesus could forgive sins.
The Christians were the priesthood. There were very specific criteria for the Bishops (congregation elders) and deacons to be selected, and they were
only to see to the feeding of the flock and it's welfare.
No congregation was beholding to any other. Each was independent, each was the highest level of organization.
Then, there was that beast. He was killed, and then he rose again. Pagan Rome was destroyed, and then Papal Rome rose in its place.
All interesting stuff.