[marsh_of_mists]

It may have developed in response to external forces, but it was never mandated by Scripture. In fact in Scripture you see at the council in Jerusalem a congregational approach to resolving issues.

Catholics don't believe that every religious truth is spelled out literally in Scripture. We believe it is one of three great sources of Divine Truth, the others beign the Magesterium and Sacred Tradition.

Your list has some gaps and problems with credibility.

That is the sequence that is generally considered authoratative, though the details are disputable.

Also, you do not see in the generations following the Apostles the supernatural powers in these leaders that the Apostles had.

So?

The Scriptures were Holy whether one group of Christians recognized them or not.

How do you know they're authorative? Because you personally choose to recognize them, just because?

[TheDon]

How do you know they're authorative? Because you personally choose to recognize them, just because?

A good question for any Christian.