I think the bible reveals that the various churches were organizationally "connected" and that there were leaders occupying offices overseaing the churches and overseeing the elders within the churches.
I think we're going to disagree on this one, ftD. I've said my piece, though, and I respect you too much as a friend to enter any contest over it.
I agree with you that as long as Apostles were present that the local churches were connected through them (3Jn.10).
And those that the Apostles appointed.
However, once the gift of Apostleship ended, and that second generation died off, that oversight also ended.
It was the completed Canon that now became the basis of unity.
I think we're going to disagree on this one, ftD. I've said my piece, though, and I respect you too much as a friend to enter any contest over it.
Amen.
Likewise.