"The Church, during the apostolic age, did not consist of isolated, independent congregations, but was one body, of which the separate churches were constituent members, each subject to all the rest, or to an authority which extended over all"

This quote by Charles Hodge speaks to the structure of the Church during the apostolic age. It recommends that the Church was not made up of person, independent parishes, however rather was one combined body. Each parish was a part of this body, and underwent the authority of the Church as a whole. This structure was likely in location to ensure that the Church was unified in its beliefs and practices, and that the mentors of the apostles were followed. This structure likewise enabled the Church to be arranged and to have a unified voice in the face of persecution. The Church during the apostolic age was a combined body, and each churchgoers belonged of this body, based on the authority of the Church as a whole.