Bible Encyclopedias
Consistentes

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(bystanders, συνεισταμένοι ) were an order of penitents in the early Church, who derived their name from being allowed to remain and hear the prayers of the Church after the catechumens and other penitents were dismissed, but were not allowed to make their oblations nor partake of the eucharist. They remained in this class two years. (See PENITENTS).