[Jeff Chandler]

So while I agree that during that period of time when the NT was not all complete, we relied on the church, that is to say, the duly ordained apostles -

So the Apostles were "temps"?

[Siena Dreaming]

Of course the apostles were temps. They died as all men do. But while they lived they were looked to for authority.

Then the writings which emanated from them became adhered to because of the authority attached.

The early church fathers (though stalwarts) had no such authority. Their writings (though wise in so many respects) do not carry the weight of Scripture.

[Persevero]

“So the Apostles were “temps”? “

I don’t mean to be perjorative. I suppose they were temps in one sense of the word. You could call Moses a “temp,” in that case, too. The only way I can listen to Moses today is to read what he wrote. Ultimately, though, it was what God wrote, as it was inspired. Similarly with the apostles.