In general, Christ terms His Church a kingdom, which supposes some organized authority. However the explicit steps in the establishing of an authoritative hierarchy are clear. Christ chose certain special men. “You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you.” (John 15:16) He gave them His own mission. “As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) This commission included His teaching authority: “Teach all nations . . . whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19); His power to sanctify — “Baptising them,” (Matthew 28:19) — forgiving sin, “Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven,” (John 20:23) — offering sacrifice, “Do this for a commemoration of me,” (1 Corinthians 11:24); His legislative or disciplinary power — “He who hears you, hears me, and he who despises you despises me,” (Luke 10:16); “Whatsoever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound also in Heaven,” (Matthew 18:18). “If a man will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen,” (Matthew 18:17). The Apostles certainly exercised these powers from the beginning. Thus we read in the Acts of the Apostles, “They were all persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles,” (Acts 2:42) St. Paul himself did not hesitate to excommunicate the incestuous Corinthian. (1 Corinthians 5:4) And he wrote to the Hebrews, “Obey your prelates, and be subject to them,” (Hebrews 13:17).
Edited by Godwin Delali Adadzie. Originally from Question 331 “Where in Scripture does it mention that Christ founded any such system?” Radio Replies Volume I Copyright © 1938 (by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble, M.S.C. and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty).
I am a young Christian living in Africa. If you've enjoyed my posts, you might like to check me out on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ as well. Thank you. I am one of the few African Catholic Apologists active online today. Most people know me for my work Catholic Apologetics Guide 101, Let’s talk about the Rosary and Cathoolic - New Evangelization and Apologetics. Countering “sheep-stealing” from the Catholic Church.
