80 I. CORINTHIANS 4, 21.

is plain from this, as from numerous other passages, that the apostles exercised the right of discipline over all the churches ; they could receive into the communion of the church, or ex- communicate from it, at their discretion. This prerogative was uiseparable from their infallibility as the messengers of Christ, sent to establish and to administer his kingdom. The follow- ing chapter furnishes a notable instance of the exercise of this authority.