The moment we open the inspired history of the apostolic age, we find a style of speaking concerning the officers of the Church, and a statement of facts, which evince, beyond all controversy, that the model of the synagogue was that which was then adopted, and which was left in universal use when inspired men surrendered the Church to their successors. We find preaching the Gospel, “feeding the sheep and the lambs” of Christ, and administering the Christian sacraments, the highest offices entrusted to the Ministers of Christ. We find a plurality of “Elders,” by divine direction, ordained in every church. In no instance, in the whole New Testament, do we find an organized congregation under the watch and care of a single officer. Further, we find “Bishop” and “Elder,” titles given, interchangeably, to the same persons; plainly showing that the term “Bishop,” in the apostolic age, was the title which designated the pastor or “overseer,” of a single flock or church. We find in the New Testament history, no trace of prelacy. All priority or pre-eminence among the ministers of Christ is expressly rebuked and forbidden.

“The Government of the Presbyterian Church” by Samuel Miller quoted in Paradigms in Polity: Classic Readings in Reformed and Presbyterian Church Government, 78-79.