History of Christendom part III: How did Christendom’s separate clergy class originate?
Jesus said "But YOU, do not YOU be called Rabbi, for one is YOUR teacher, whereas all YOU are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone YOUR father on earth, for one is YOUR Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ. Matthew 23:8-10. So when and how did a clergy class come about?
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I beg to differ with the other comments on this question. There is an enormous difference between the proud and elevated situation of today's clergy and the simplicity of organization under Christ and the elders, or overseers, of the early Christian congregations.
Paul’s letter to Timothy makes it clear that the congregations had overseers (Greek, episkopos, source of the word “episcopal”) who were spiritual elders (presbyteroi), men who were qualified by their conduct and their spirituality to teach their fellow Christians. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17) In the first century, these men did not constitute a separate clergy class. They did not wear any distinctive garb. Their spirituality was their distinction. In fact, each congregation had a body of elders (overseers), not a monarchical one-man rule (Acts 20:17; Philippians 1:1)
That was courtesy of the Roman Catholic Church : The Pope decided to reserve the title of "priest" to worn by church leaders only. The average pew dwelling Catholic never refer to themselves as "priests". In fact if a lay Catholic started calling himself a "priest", he would be rebuked by "the parish Priest"!
But the BIBLE says
"you (all Christians) also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. " 1 Peter 2:5
"But you (all Christians) are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; " 1 Peter 2:9
"Jesus has made us (all Christians) to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1:6
"You have made them (all Christians) to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." Revelation 5:10
A clergy class came about when Jesus selected apostles.
All three of the clerical rankings that survive today in the liturgical churches are all mentioned in the bible.
"Episkopos" (Greek for bishop)
"Presbyter" (Greek for elder, and the clerical rank commonly known as priest.)
"Diakonos" (Greek for "servant" or the ordained rank we know as 'deacon.')
St. Paul describes the clerical ranks in great depth in 1 Timothy Chapter 3... they were clearly already well established.
Read the book of Timothy and Titus, they tell about the offices of Pastors, Elders and Deacons.