[holden]

(Feel free to ignore the following, casual Catholic readers.)

My view would be that Greek episkopos, poimen and presbyteros, (bishop, shepherd and elder, in many translations) all refer interchangeably to the very responsible and oft-mentioned position held by elders of the NT church. Absent from any NT mention are priests in the sense of the OT usage, outside of 1 Peter 2 references. The term, "ministerial priesthood" is not to be found or even alluded to in any NT book, as I see it.

I understand Clement of Rome was probably the foremost person responsible for bringing priests and OT trappings into the NT church, not Jesus or his apostles.

HF

[Salvation]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3158978/posts?page=2#2

Please read the rules for Ecumenical threads — no antagonism.

[Fantasywriter]

This is a very interesting discussion. I hope it will be allowed to continue, as a lot of valuable information & insights are being posted. I’m not seeing any incivility either, just a polite exchange of POVs. The subject matter is fascinating, & some of the participants are amazingly well informed. Thanks to each & every one of you.