The introduction of leaven

[OBW]

Originally Posted by YP0534

In complete accord with my earlier speculations concerning why "all those in Asia" may have left Paul.

The Gentiles likely were never very kindly disposed towards the ways of the Jews, and not just with regard to the matter of circumcision upon which topic it is more than clear that Paul sided with them over against the Judaizers.

Hierarchy did not spring full grown from the throne of Constantine. The witnesses are much earlier than this, regardless of how you read "Nicolaitans."

Hierarchy is a creeping thing among those who bear some seeming preeminence or there is no explanation for the course of Christian history.

It was not possible then for interlopers to dominate any more than it is possible now for someone like me to walk up and lay claim to the legacy of Lee's ministry. Such a claim is surely laughable for those in the continuum.

Only those who appear as legitimate successors have a chance to uplift themselves and subjugate others.

It is critical that all the saints recognize this.

No disagreement on any of this. It is interesting that we seem to promote those "who bear some seeming preeminence" rather than defer to those who serve us well. Surely the power struggles were well underway when Constantine offered access to the power of the sword.

We may prefer to see it as the elimination of heresy, but the power offered by Constantine ended many debates without sufficient consideration. Surely there were serious errors eliminated. But are we sure that is the case for all issues? Have we continued to this day based on the doctrinal position of the ones with the legal authority rather than the ones with the spiritual authority?

(I do not have any particular issue in mind, just the general thought that many of the issues with which we now grapple may have been simply silenced then by power rather than settled by council (not necessarily something like at Nicea).)

While no one person has yet ascended to the top of Mt LSM to claim succession to Lee's ministry, they are busy uplifting themselves, albeit in unison and outward harmony at this point in time.