Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Charles Hodge, a renowned American Presbyterian theologian who lived in the 19th century. In this quote, Hodge emphasizes the importance of the people's role in the governance of the Church, highlighting the recognition and sanctioning of this right by the apostles in various ways. This statement reflects Hodge's views on the relationship between the Church and its members, as well as his interpretation of the apostolic teachings regarding the involvement of the laity in church governance.

Charles Hodge was a prominent figure in the Reformed tradition and an influential theologian in his time. He served as a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary for over fifty years and was known for his conservative theological stance. Hodge's writings and teachings had a significant impact on the development of American Presbyterianism and the broader Protestant theological landscape.

In the quote, Hodge's assertion about the people's right to a substantive part in the government of the Church is grounded in his understanding of the New Testament teachings and the practices of the early Christian communities. Hodge likely drew from passages in the New Testament that emphasize the participation of the laity in the life and governance of the Church, such as the appointment of deacons in Acts 6 and the instructions on church discipline in Matthew 18.

Hodge's reference to the apostles recognizing and sanctioning the people's role in the church's governance "in almost every conceivable way" suggests that he saw this principle as deeply embedded in the teachings and practices of the early Christian communities. This perspective aligns with the Presbyterian emphasis on the priesthood of all believers and the shared responsibility for the life and mission of the Church.

Hodge's emphasis on the substantive part of the people in the government of the Church also reflects the Presbyterian understanding of church polity, which emphasizes the role of ruling elders and the active participation of the congregation in decision-making processes. In Presbyterianism, the government of the Church is seen as a shared responsibility between ministers and ruling elders, who are elected representatives of the congregation.

Furthermore, Hodge's assertion can be seen in the context of his broader theological framework, which prioritized the authority of scripture and the importance of the church as a community of believers. For Hodge, the involvement of the people in the government of the Church was not only a matter of practical governance but also a theological principle rooted in the biblical witness and the apostolic tradition.

In conclusion, Charles Hodge's quote underscores his belief in the people's substantive role in the government of the Church, drawing from his interpretation of the apostolic teachings and the practices of the early Christian communities. This perspective aligns with the Presbyterian emphasis on shared governance and the active participation of the laity in the life and mission of the Church. Hodge's theological insights continue to inform discussions on church governance and the role of the people in shaping the identity and direction of Christian communities.