It has already been observed that Clement still uses the
terms “presbyter” and “bishop” for the same class of persons, the church
rulers, and we are not therefore to suppose that the monepiscopate has been
fully established. The local church seems to be governed by a board of
presbyter-bishops, though one of its numbers may have had special powers and privileges.
(Cyril C. Richardson, Early Christian Fathers [New York: Collier Books,
1970], 39)
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