07-04-2010, 03:10 PM
Rafa Wrote:Was there debate? I believe so. The world in which they lived in was becoming something else, even coming to a close. However was there ultimately a consensus? I also believe so. I think you should read what the immediate successors of the Apostles wrote to get a complete understanding at what consensus was reached. The writings of Polycarp, Clement, and Ignatius are a good place to begin (beware the spurious letters though). I'm sure there are some COE patristics which date to that same period when the Apostles died and the new Bishops came into place and discussed their views as well. I cannot believe that the Apostles left this world without reaching some clear-cut decisions on where to lead their followers. That is yes, too scary akhi.I'm not sure that that conclusion can really be supported. As late as Revelation we can see hints at the same debate that went on between Paul and James in Acts, Galatians, and James.