The Bereans didn't have the full scriptures, possibly a few NT letters, but most of the scriptures they searched were the OT and prophesies therein.
It was traditional to pass on authority by the laying on of hands. Paul was called by the Holy Spirit but eventually joined the other apostles. Much of church history isn't in the scriptures.
I am leery with all the newer churches and consider the "authority" of the pastors "self-appointed". They can claim to be called by God. And God can use them. But I don't trust their interpretation of the scriptures completely. Nor do I trust my own, and many earlier church groups flourished with no bibles because they were too expensive and were hand copied by monks. Furthermore, common people could not read and write. There were bibles chained in the churches of Rome which I suppose people could read if they were fluent in Latin. To this day many people are illiterate and either memorize certain scriptures or have to have them read to them. Just some points to consider as I have wrestled with it. Christ doesn't accept people based on whether they can read or write the scriptures although there is a blessing associated with reading the Book of Revelation.
I personally believe Peter was crucified in Rome but was never head of the Church of Rome or pope. He helped organize the Church of Antioch which has churches in America at present but he was an apostle, not a bishop.
Yeah, I don't want to argue about it either as it's pointless. I don't know what God expects us to do in these times. It's obvious from my reading of the NT that Christ founded a real church with pastors, deacons, bishops.
Where I'm stuck now is on images, statues and icons. I know the various councils started accepting them, but is it pleasing to God? Or are Christians no longer under the 10 commandments? And I love the beauty of much of the art and iconography but still doesn't mean it is pleasing to God. Or maybe He doesn't care any more? Concerning Moses raising a serpent on a pole and the cherabim on either side of the ark, those were ordered by God by an accepted spokesman for Him.
The other problem is the Sabbath. If we are to obey the Commandments, I believe sundown Friday to sundown Saturday is the true Sabbath as still practiced by believing Jews. Sunday is the Lord's Day when the early Christians met for Holy Communion or the Eucharist because they were eventually excommunicated from the synagogues. All the earliest Christians were Jews and possibly a few from other tribes like Paul who was of Benjamin.
Being a woman, I wouldn't attempt or presume myself qualified to pastori a church based on my sex alone. I'm just funny that way.
My views are subject to change if I ever get them resolved to my satisfaction. And I recognize as Christians fellow believers, no matter who they are affiliated with if sincere. and display certain fruits as love, peace, charity toward others, not condemn them to hell if they don't believe like others think they are supposed to.