Apostolic Succession

"Where in the Bible does it say bishops succeed the apostles?"

4 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Catholic bishops are successors of the apostles, receiving authority through an unbroken chain of ordinations back to Christ. This ensures the faith passed down is the same faith the apostles taught. The Church is built on the apostles' foundation.

Quick Overview

Think of a relay race. The first runners (apostles) pass the baton to the next runners (their successors), who pass it to the next, all the way to today. The baton is apostolic authority and teaching. If the chain breaks, you can't be sure you have the real message. Apostolic succession keeps the chain unbroken.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Acts 1:20-26

"His bishopric let another take... And they gave them lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias."

Why This Matters

When Judas died, the apostles chose a successor. The office continued—it wasn't a one-time position.

2 Timothy 2:2

"The things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also."

Why This Matters

Paul tells Timothy to pass on what he received to the next generation, who will teach others. Four generations of succession here!

Titus 1:5

"For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest... ordain priests in every city."

Why This Matters

Paul instructs Titus to 'ordain' (Greek: katasteses) elders/priests. Authority is passed through ordination.

1 Timothy 4:14

"Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood."

Why This Matters

Timothy received grace through 'laying on of hands'—ordination. This is how apostolic authority is transmitted.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Bishops are successors of the apostles by divine institution (CCC 861-862). Through ordination, they receive the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and continue the apostles' mission. This unbroken chain guarantees authentic teaching.

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Clement of Rome

c. 96 AD

"The apostles appointed their first converts, testing them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of future believers."

— Letter to the Corinthians, 42

St. Irenaeus of Lyon

c. 180 AD

"We can enumerate those who were appointed bishops by the apostles, and their successors down to our own time."

— Against Heresies, 3:3:1

Mary's Virginity

Sacred Tradition

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