How many original Bishops were there?

sdegutis · #1 Jun 10, '12, 3:49 pm

I know about the Twelve Apostles, and also Paul and Barnabas, is that all there were in the highest rank in the very beginning? Were there only these 14?

DavidFilmer · #2 Jun 10, '12, 4:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdegutis

I know about the Twelve Apostles, and also Paul and Barnabas, is that all there were in the highest rank in the very beginning? Were there only these 14?

In the VERY beginning (at Pentecost) there were twelve Bishops. Judas was one of the original 12, but having committed suicide, he was not included, but the Apostles had drawn lots to fill the position left vacant by Judas, and Matthias was was counted as an Apostle (Acts 1:26).

Paul came later (he had originally made it his mission to persecute Christians). We don't know exactly how many others were made Bishops, but Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus; both were Bishops that he had consecrated.