Episcopacy Tested By Scripture - Softcover

Henry Ustick Onderdonk

Softcover

ISBN 10: 037157871X ISBN 13: 9780371578711

Publisher: HardPress, 2021

Synopsis

Episcopacy Tested By Scripture — Henry Ustick Onderdonk. This dense 19th?century tract defends episcopal church government by appealing to Scripture and patristic authorities, arguing for a threefold ministry of deacons, elders/presbyters, and bishops, and for ordination power to reside in higher orders (apostles or their successors) rather than in presbyters alone. It engages in a vigorous polemic with Presbyterian interpretations, including criticism of their reading of key NT terms and ordination practices. The work is framed as a tract published in a Protestant Episcopal context and includes a sustained exchange with the Biblical Repertory that reviews and counters the tract’s conclusions. Central arguments assert that Timothy and Titus carried ordaining authority beyond elders, that the phrase laying on of hands may reflect apostolic or higher?order action, and that apostolic succession is compatible with episcopal governance. The Timothy?at?Ephesus essay argues for Timothy as a diocesan bishop after Paul’s imprisonment, supporting a permanent episcopal pattern and challenging itinerant readings. The tract relies on scripture, while employing patristic citations with acknowledgment of disagreements among fathers. Overall, it claims clear biblical warrant and historical continuity for Episcopacy and questions Presbyterian ordination as lacking solid scriptural grounding.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 037157871X
• ISBN 13: 9780371578711
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304