“presbuteros is the Greek word from which we get the word “priest”. Clearly that office existed.”
Well, no, we don’t. There are no “priests” listed in the Apostle Paul’s list of Church offices. It is simply another word used for the duty of an Elder.
There were no sacrifices to offer in the NT Church. That came much later.
“Well, no, we don’t. There are no “priests” listed in the Apostle Paul’s list of Church offices. It is simply another word used for the duty of an Elder.”
The office of elder is the office of priest. Jesus was High Priest. He shared His priesthood with the Apostles.
“There were no sacrifices to offer in the NT Church.”
Sure there was - Jesus was re-presented in the Eucharistic sacrifice.
“That came much later.”
No. It started on Holy Thursday.