How and why did ecclesiastical offices develop in the early days of the Church? Against what socio-historical background did this occur, and how were the newly emerging offices interpreted theologically? What social and individual competencies were demanded in the exercise of these offices? What role did women play in the 1st and 2nd centuries in the establishment, shaping, and leadership of the communities? How did individuals enter into a ministry – through election, through calling? Is the development of offices completed, or can it continue today following the New Testament model? 

These are just a few of the highly relevant questions to which the renowned New Testament scholar Michael Theobald provides understandable and comprehensible answers based on his profound research on the New Testament.