Die Rolle der Bischöfe im 4. Jahrhundert: Neue Anforderungen und neue Antworten

Abstract

The rapid growth of Christian communities in the period after Gallienus, and above all the conversion of Constantine to Christianity, confronted the heads of the Christian communities with new demands. The questions of how the bishops reacted and the extent to which they oriented themselves by the practice of former elites are analysed through three issues which did not directly concern the theological and pastoral responsiblities of a bishop: episcopal jurisdiction, administration of church finances and public appearance. In all three areas one can observe a wide range of different reactions. Similarly, developments in the various different parts of the empire also vary, according to the degree of Christianisation. In the East and in North Africa it is possible to notice a tendency of institutionalisation and professionalisation in order to meet such demands; there is however no parallel policy for the West.