Apostolic Succesion

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Would someone explain to me the concept (and basis) for Apostolic Succession. I understand the argument re: Peter being given the “keys to the kingdom” and Peter and the apostles be given to bind and loose on earth and in heaven.

Assuming (just for this post) that in fact gave Peter and the original apostles control over doctrine and forgiveness of sins, etc. during their lifetimes, what is it in scripture that speaks about that authority being handed down to others through Apostolic Succesion.

This is a sincere question - I promise - I am really trying to understand and I’m happy to study out with some guidance.

Blessings,

Brian
 
Authority is Transferred by the Sacrament of Ordination
Code: 
				Acts 1:15-26 - the first thing Peter does after Jesus ascends into heaven is  						implement apostolic succession. Matthias is ordained with full apostolic  						authority. Only the Catholic Church can demonstrate an unbroken apostolic  						lineage to the apostles in union with Peter through the sacrament of ordination  						and thereby claim to teach with Christ's own authority.
				 					Acts 1:20 - a successor of Judas is chosen. The authority of his office (his  					"bishopric") is respected notwithstanding his egregious sin. The necessity to  					have apostolic succession in order for the Church to survive was understood by  					all. God never said, "I'll give you leaders with authority for about 400 years,  					but after the Bible is compiled, you are all on your own." 					
				Acts 1:22 - literally, "one must be ordained" to be a witness with us of His  					resurrection. Apostolic ordination is required in order to teach with Christ's  					authority. 					
				Acts 6:6 - apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands  					(ordination). This authority has transferred beyond the original twelve  					apostles as the Church has grown. 					
				Acts 9:17-19 - even Paul, who was directly chosen by Christ, only becomes a  					minister after the laying on of hands by a bishop. This is a powerful  					proof-text for the necessity of sacramental ordination in order to be a  					legitimate successor of the apostles. 					
				Acts 13:3 - apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands  					(ordination). This authority must come from a Catholic bishop. 					
				Acts 14:23 - the apostles and newly-ordained men appointed elders to have  					authority throughout the Church. 					
				Acts 15:22-27 - preachers of the Word must be sent by the bishops in union with  					the Church. We must trace this authority to the apostles. 					
				2 Cor. 1:21-22 - Paul writes that God has commissioned certain men and sealed  					them with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee. 					
				Col 1:25 - Paul calls his position a divine "office." An office has successors.  					It does not terminate at death. Or it's not an office. See also Heb. 7:23 – an  					office continues with another successor after the previous office-holder’s  					death. 					
				1 Tim. 3:1 - Paul uses the word "episcopoi" (bishop) which requires an office.  					Everyone understood that Paul's use of episcopoi and office meant it would  					carry on after his death by those who would succeed him. 					
				1 Tim. 4:14 - again, apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on  					of hands (ordination). 					
				1 Tim. 5:22 - Paul urges Timothy to be careful in laying on the hands  					(ordaining others). The gift of authority is a reality and cannot be used  					indiscriminately. 					
				2 Tim. 1:6 - Paul again reminds Timothy the unique gift of God that he received  					through the laying on of hands. 					
				2 Tim. 4:1-6 - at end of Paul's life, Paul charges Timothy with the office of  					his ministry . We must trace true apostolic lineage back to a Catholic bishop. 					
				2 Tim. 2:2 - this verse shows God's intention is to transfer authority to  					successors (here, Paul to Timothy to 3rd to 4th generation). It goes beyond the  					death of the apostles. 					
				Titus 1:5; Luke 10:1 - the elders of the Church are appointed and hold  					authority. God has His children participate in Christ's work. 					
				1 John 4:6 - whoever knows God listens to us (the bishops and the successors to  					the apostles). This is the way we discern truth and error (not just by reading  					the Bible and interpreting it for ourselves). 					
				Exodus 18:25-26 - Moses appoints various heads over the people of God. We see a  					hierarchy, a transfer of authority and succession. 					
				Exodus 40:15 - the physical anointing shows that God intended a perpetual  					priesthood with an identifiable unbroken succession. 					
				Numbers 3:3 - the sons of Aaron were formally "anointed" priests in  					"ordination" to minister in the priests' "office." 					
				Numbers 16:40 - shows God's intention of unbroken succession within His kingdom  					on earth. Unless a priest was ordained by Aaron and his descendants, he had no  					authority. 					
				Numbers 27:18-20 - shows God's intention that, through the "laying on of  					hands," one is commissioned and has authority. 					
				Deut. 34:9 - Moses laid hands upon Joshua, and because of this, Joshua was  					obeyed as successor, full of the spirit of wisdom. 					
				Sirach 45:15 - Moses ordains Aaron and anoints him with oil. There is a  					transfer of authority through formal ordination.
 
Jay 29. This is oustanding and extremely helpful. Thank you.

Blessings,

Brian
 
Jay, succinct and to the point, you quite complete. Thank you very much.

👍
 
Robbinson said:
Would someone explain to me the concept (and basis) for Apostolic Succession. I understand the argument re: Peter being given the “keys to the kingdom” and Peter and the apostles be given to bind and loose on earth and in heaven.

Assuming (just for this post) that in fact gave Peter and the original apostles control over doctrine and forgiveness of sins, etc. during their lifetimes, what is it in scripture that speaks about that authority being handed down to others through Apostolic Succesion.

This is a sincere question - I promise - I am really trying to understand and I’m happy to study out with some guidance.

Blessings,

Brian
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Here is a good article. You might consider posting in Apologetics for more responses, or do a search for threads. This is a common subject and there are usually threads running on it.

catholic.com/library/apostolic_succession.asp
 
Robbinson said:
Would someone explain to me the concept (and basis) for Apostolic Succession. I understand the argument re: Peter being given the “keys to the kingdom” and Peter and the apostles be given to bind and loose on earth and in heaven.

Assuming (just for this post) that in fact gave Peter and the original apostles control over doctrine and forgiveness of sins, etc. during their lifetimes, what is it in scripture that speaks about that authority being handed down to others through Apostolic Succesion.

This is a sincere question - I promise - I am really trying to understand and I’m happy to study out with some guidance.

Blessings,

Brian
Click to expand...
Check out a Brittanica Encyclopedia or other and look up Papacy, their you will find, the list of Popes who have lived and died to the present Pope from St. Peter himself. The apostolic succession of Popes are listed. This is one topic of apostolic succession, other topics might include the Catholic church being one holy catholic (universal) apostolic church, the bishops are successors to the apostles, Holy orders, communion of saints. Another source to look up under is the catechism of the Catholic church in the index under “church” “apostolic succesion” It is here you cant go wrong with what the 2000 year old catholic church teaches.

The answer you are looking for in your question is found in sacred scripture, but sacred Tradition is what will satisfy you question, supported by sacred scripture. Which some one has most impressively placed alot of scripture contemplation here, this supports the Catholic church’s sacred Tradition, these you will find them by reading up on the early church fathers, some of them whom walked and talked, and were taught by the apostles themselves.

Peace be with you
 
Robbinson said:
Assuming (just for this post) that in fact gave Peter and the original apostles control over doctrine and forgiveness of sins, etc. during their lifetimes, what is it in scripture that speaks about that authority being handed down to others through Apostolic Succesion.

This is a sincere question - I promise - I am really trying to understand and I’m happy to study out with some guidance.
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Why should we just appeal to Scripture? If Peter’s ministry was indeed forgiveness of sins, control over doctrine (ie, teaching), etc, why should that stop after their deaths? Does not the Church need teachers? Particularly authoritative ones?
 
Spirithound said:
Why should we just appeal to Scripture? If Peter’s ministry was indeed forgiveness of sins, control over doctrine (ie, teaching), etc, why should that stop after their deaths? Does not the Church need teachers? Particularly authoritative ones?
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Exactly. It’s part of human nature to pass things on. For example, when we are born, we don’t have to reinvent every single thing that has been invented or rediscover every discovery. Someone records it, teaches us how to do it and passes it on for the next generation. Why wouldn’t God allow for the same thing with His Church and guarantee that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it?

Alaha minokhoun,
Andrew
 
Robbinson said:
Would someone explain to me the concept (and basis) for Apostolic Succession. I understand the argument re: Peter being given the “keys to the kingdom” and Peter and the apostles be given to bind and loose on earth and in heaven.

Assuming (just for this post) that in fact gave Peter and the original apostles control over doctrine and forgiveness of sins, etc. during their lifetimes, what is it in scripture that speaks about that authority being handed down to others through Apostolic Succesion.

This is a sincere question - I promise - I am really trying to understand and I’m happy to study out with some guidance.

Blessings,

Brian
Click to expand...
**This should help your inquiry:

catholic.com/library/church_papacy.asp**
 
Hi Robbinson,

I see you’ve received a number of replies already, but I’d like to add that a number of non-Catholic Christians believe in apostolic succession as well, most notably the Eastern Orthodox and the Anglicans. (Lutherans and even Methodists also have beliefs which at least resemble apostolic succession.)
 
Peter_J said:
Hi Robbinson,

I see you’ve received a number of replies already, but I’d like to add that a number of non-Catholic Christians believe in apostolic succession as well, most notably the Eastern Orthodox and the Anglicans. (Lutherans and even Methodists also have beliefs which at least resemble apostolic succession.)
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Thank you - I’ve been studying and praying about it - I do now believe it to be scriptural (and true). That creates a bit of a quagmire for me. :confused: I’m reading a little more history and some secondary sources from both perspectives as I continue to ponder this one.

Best,

Brian
 
The guarantee of apostolic succession;

John17:15
6 I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.
16
They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
17
**Consecrate them in the truth. **Your word is truth.
18
As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.
19
**And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth. **
20
**“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, **
21
**so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. **
22
**And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, **
23
I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.
24
Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am 7 they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
26
**I made known to them your name and I will make it known, 8 that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” **

Peace be with you
 
Robbinson said:
Thank you - I’ve been studying and praying about it - I do now believe it to be scriptural (and true). That creates a bit of a quagmire for me. :confused: I’m reading a little more history and some secondary sources from both perspectives as I continue to ponder this one.

Best,

Brian
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Praise be to Jesus Christ!

In my own journey, I found Apostolic Succesion to be Christ’s promise that His Church will endure until He comes in glory. It’s truly one of the many gifts that He has given us. You’re in my prayers as you continue to study this.

Alaha minokhoun,
Andrew
 
Robbinson said:
Thank you - I’ve been studying and praying about it - I do now believe it to be scriptural (and true). That creates a bit of a quagmire for me. :confused: I’m reading a little more history and some secondary sources from both perspectives as I continue to ponder this one.

Best,

Brian
Click to expand...
Fear not! No quagmire is too big for Jesus 👍
 
I’m stil confused about the differences between priesthood authority, Apostolic authority and the office of a bishop. WHy did Jesus call Apostles and not bishops?
 
Apostle (Greek: apostolos, “someone sent out”, e.g. with a message or as a delegate). There are three groups of apostles; The Twelve, The Seventy, and Paul.
Jesus sent out the twelve in pairs (Mark 6:7-13, cf. Matthew 10:5-42,Luke 9:1-6), to towns in Galilee.
The Seventy or Seventy-two were also sent out (Luke 10:1-24). Paul was also sent out by the risen Lord (Acts 9:1-22). Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History © 324 records Barnabas, Sosthenes, Joseph Barsabbas, and Matthias as members of the 70. The New Testament records Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2:6) as Apostles. Jesus Christ sent out a total 83 men to spread the Gospel. These 83 men were apostles (sent out). James and Peter were Apostles as well as Bishops.
Only men sent by Christ were Apostles. Only Apostles who had 1) walked the earth with Christ, 2) been in the company of the original twelve, and 3) witnessed the resurrection could be a member of The Twelve. By these requirements described in Acts (2:21-22), we know The Twelve was never to be an on going position in the Church. Paul was never made one of the Twelve because he did not qualify. He was an Apostle but never one of the Twelve.
The Apostle Peter went to Antioch where he started a church. Seven years later he ordained Evodius as Bishop of Antioch and went to Rome. After Evodius died, Ignatius (a student of the Apostle John), was made Bishop of Antioch. The Apostle James of Alphaeus stayed in Jerusalem as the Bishop. When James died, Simeon became Bishop. As those whom Christ sent out died, they were replaced by the Bishops.
 
Stephen168 said:
Only Apostles who had 1) walked the earth with Christ, 2) been in the company of the original twelve, and 3) witnessed the resurrection could be a member of The Twelve. By these requirements described in Acts (2:21-22), we know The Twelve was never to be an on going position in the Church. Paul was never made one of the Twelve because he did not qualify. He was an Apostle but never one of the Twelve.
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Actually, if you look at an icon of the twelve apostles (for example), you’ll see St. Paul is included.
 
rmcmullan said:
I’m stil confused about the differences between priesthood authority, Apostolic authority and the office of a bishop. WHy did Jesus call Apostles and not bishops?
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You’ve had some good responses to this but wanted to add something.
From the KJV of Acts, regarding the Apostolic office that belonged to Judas that is being filled. Note the name of the position.
Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his **bishoprick **let another take.
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