[Ken4TA]

Negative to both. The Church was the gathering of the bishops of the original sees plus the growing number of bishops as Christianity spread. There were several hundred books being used including the Shepherd of Hermas, Barnabas, approximately 80 Gospels, etc etc, plus several hundred versions of each. The Gnostic books were heavily used in certain areas as well.

I stand by what I said. Period. And I understand the time-line very well. I just don't feel the need to expound on all the various books being read, I just bought out that the books of the Bible were being read by most of the Churches of Christ in various places before the counsel at Carthage. And, FYI, the church is not just a gathering of Elders/presbyters/overseers, i.e., Bishops; it is made up of all believers in Christ.

[MarkBsnr]

I stand by what I said. Period.

You don't have to right all the time. I agree.

And I understand the time-line very well. I just don't feel the need to expound on all the various books being read, I just bought out that the books of the Bible were being read by most of the Churches of Christ in various places before the counsel at Carthage.

Okay, buy it out. The facts are a little at odd with your beliefs, but so be it.

And, FYI, the church is not just a gathering of Elders/presbyters/overseers, i.e., Bishops; it is made up of all believers in Christ.

That is correct. I meant to say Church clergy overall, showing that there were many more bishops at Carthage than in Apostolic times total, because of the rise of Christianity; therefore the proceedings would be handled slightly differently than with a much smaller group.