In the early years, Christian congregations looked to the apostles and prophets for leadership. But before the end of the first century, the apostles and prophets were systematically eclipsed by the office of the bishop. This book examines the daily lives of the early Christians in the midst of paganism, the structure and worship of the early congregations, and traces events that led to deterioration of doctrine and the eventual ascendancy of the institutional Church in the fourth century. The author contends that the Church is in captivity today for its apostasy and rejection of the prophetic ministry - the same sin for which Israel was exiled. Although the Church may not determine for itself when its captivity is complete, it can realign itself to the Kingdom in anticipation of its restoration.--Publisher info.