affairs of a state or nation—in essence, a parliament or congress. To the Romans, it was a group of people sent into a conquered region to alter the culture until it became like Rome. Realizing this was the ideal way to control their empire, they infiltrated government, social structure, language, schools, etc., until the people talked, thought, and acted like Romans. When Jesus said He would build His church, He was without question speaking of a body of people that would legislate spiritually for Him,