But, Jesus did give to others His ability to forgive sins.
He gave you and I a command to forgive our brothers and sisters their sins against us. He gave no one the ability to forgive sins against God for God.
The Apostles were the first bishops, and it’s likely the disciples were similar to our current priests. Both positions holding the authorities that St. Peter were given, with Peter being primary.
The apostles were the first bishops only if you believe Catholic teaching. A disciple is anyone who is a follower of another. You and I are followers of Christ. We are His disciples.
In your last sentence, you say that Jesus gave Peter the keys to the heavenly kingdom. How is it that we are able to even enter that kingdom? By forgiveness.
The Old Testament Church had an earthly sanctuary where only the high priest could inter the Holy of Holies once a year and give a sacrifice for the people.
The new testament Church is spiritual. We are to be baptized by the Spirit of God. The High Priest, Jesus, is at the right hand of God for us continually in the Holy of Holies in Heaven. His Spirit will guide us.
There is no scriptural bases for an earthly physical church. Read Hebrews. God explains why an earthly priest had to sacrifice over and over. Christ's blood on the mercy seat in heaven is once for all.
Jesus came to forgive and to atone. He sent them as His father sent Him
This is not just the apostles. It is you and I who have been sent.
May God bless us with His truth. BVB
See, we agree again.
The only thing I can say regarding the disciples is that there was special authority and deference paid to those who actually walked with Jesus.
That is why they were suspicious of Paul, that and of course, his persecution of them.
The point is that from the beginning those who spent actual time with Jesus were considered in a different light.
As for the rest, I truly believe that the developments of the church and such were all natural and not surprising considering human nature.