Opmerkings oor vroeë katolisisme in die Nuwe Testament, met besondere verwysing na die briewe aan die Kolossense en die Efesiërs, en die Pastorale Briewe

Abstract

Attention is given to differences of opinion as to the nature of early catholicism, whether it is present in the New Testament, where it is to be found and how it should be evaluated. The difference between primitive Christianity and early catholicism with regard to ecclesiology is also taken into consideration. Aspects such as offices in the church, the relation of the reign of Christ to the metaphor 'body of Christ', the church as a holy temple, church and Israel, the Gentiles and the church, the unity of the church, the constitution of the church and the vision of the church are discussed. According to one viewpoint the development of the apocalyptic primitive Christianity into early catholicism was not a fringe phenomenon, but 'the greatest change in Christianity '. Consequences of recent research may be that Protestants and Roman Catholics should keep in mind that in more than one aspect the Bible leaves room for a reconcilable variety.