Thanks Elder
I attempted to work through it on my own. We are being taught that communion is for remission of sins, and only leadership ordained ministry can administer it.
So this is what I came up with:
The apostles, following Jesus' instructions (
Matthew 28:18-20), established churches and appointed elders (also known as overseers or presbyteroi) to lead and care for the believers (
Acts 14:23,
Titus 1:5-9). These elders were assisted by deacons (diakonoi), who managed practical matters and served the church (
1 Timothy 3:8-13).
The apostles wrote letters (epistles) to the churches, providing guidance and encouragement. They also revisited the churches to maintain unity, correct errors, and strengthen the faith of the believers (
Acts 15:36, 2 Timothy 4:2).
Communion, or the Lord's Supper, was a regular fellowship meal eaten in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice (
1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-26). This practice was rooted in Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples (
Luke 22:19-20).
Apostles were chosen based on specific criteria, including being eyewitnesses of Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection (
Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 9:1). After the original apostles' death, their unique ministry ceased (
Revelation 21:14).
However, individuals like Ignatius of Antioch emerged, attempting to manage the church in a more authoritarian manner. They assumed apostolic authority, adopting the title "Bishop" (episkopos) to lead the churches. They introduced novel doctrines, such as the remission of sins through communion, in addition to baptism. This marked a shift towards using communion as a means of controlling the church.
So, if a Bishop who assumes Apostolic authority to appoint elders, who then are the only ones who can break the bread and bless the cup of communion, it seems that the Bishop has excessive authority.
Excerpts from Ignatius' letters:
"Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is administered either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be; even as, wherever Christ is, there is the Catholic Church." (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 8:1)
“I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David; and for drink I desire his blood, which is love incorruptible” (Letter to the
Romans 7:3 [A.D. 110]).
“Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. . . . They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes” (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6:2–7:1 [A.D. 110]).