In their critique of the hierarchy in the Roman Catholic Church most reformers in the sixteenth century did not argue for retaining the office of bishop. In the English Reformation, led by the king, the bishopric was reformed, and in Hungary, too, the office of bishop survived. Did reformers like John Calvin fundamentally reject this office, or did they primarily attack its abuse? Investigation of the early work of Calvin shows a focus on the meaning of the biblical term ‘overseer’ and on preaching as the primary function of the episcopacy. While the title of bishop is reserved for the one head of the church, the office of the preacher is brought to a higher level. As moderator of the Company of Pastors in Geneva, Calvin would have a standing in the city comparable to the ousted bishop.

中文翻译：

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Christus unicus ille Episcopus Universalis

在他们对罗马天主教会等级制度的批评中，大多数 16 世纪的改革者都没有主张保留主教的职位。在由国王领导的英国宗教改革中，主教进行了改革，而在匈牙利，主教的职位也得以保留。像约翰加尔文这样的改革者是从根本上拒绝这个职位，还是主要攻击它的滥用？对加尔文早期工作的调查表明，重点关注圣经术语“监督”的含义，并将讲道作为主教的主要功能。虽然主教的头衔是为教会的一位领袖保留的，但传教士的职位被提升到更高的层次。作为日内瓦牧师团的主持人，加尔文在该市的地位可与被罢免的主教相媲美。