Convince a Friend of Apostolic Succession Being True?

[MT1926]

Paul did not claim apostolic succession. He claimed to have been appointed an apostle directly by Jesus.

Yes he did claim to be appointed by Jesus.

However, St. Paul does tell us that the gospel he was preaching was approved by the Apostles. In fact his letter to the Galatians actually shows us that they were unwilling to accept his claim to authority unless the Apostles approved him as one of their successors.

Galatians 1:18
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days.

Galatians 2:1-2
Paul and the Other Apostles
2 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up by revelation; and I laid before them (but privately before those who were of repute) the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, lest somehow I should be running or had run in vain.

St. Paul first went up an got St. Peter’s approval and then went up again and had his gospel re-approved by the Apostles, lest he run in vain.

St. Paul might not have claimed Apostolic Succession, for himself, however he does a good job not only showing us the importance of the Apostles approval but even more so how the people of the day would not accept someones preaching unless that person could prove they were a successor of the Apostles.

Here’s a good article that touches on this…

Peter in Galatians | Catholic Answers Magazine

God Bless

 

[logicallyfallacious]

Wow… That’s actually awesome.

Also, I agree with you. Orthodoxy at least has those sacraments which the Church promises.

Hopefully one day the Orthodox Church will unite with the Holy See.