The Methodist episcopate, you see, was not modeled off some theory of what St. Peter was authorized to do -- it was modeled directly off the practical experience of how John Wesley actually behaved. John Wesley was far more in command of his band of followers than Simon Peter ever was of his. "I did not join you," he explained to his sometimes frustrated preachers, "you joined me." Imagine ol' Peter trying that one on St. Paul.
In this country, Francis Asbury did as John Wesley did in England. And despite many protests over many years, UM bishops have continued to wield the power of Mr. Wesley over the Connection. They may not have the pedigree of bishops in other Churches, but they sure got the power.
