1. Question
What is apostolic succession, and why is it considered essential by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches? Is it a biblical concept or a later ecclesiastical development?
2. Definition of Apostolic Succession
Apostolic succession is the belief that the authority and teaching of the original apostles—entrusted directly by Jesus Christ—have been passed down in an unbroken line through the laying on of hands (episcopal ordination) to successive bishops.
This succession ensures:
- Continuity of Church authority
- Doctrinal fidelity
- Valid administration of sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and ordination
3. Historical and Scriptural Foundations
3.1 New Testament Roots
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
- Titus 1:5 – Paul appoints Titus to “set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city.”
- Acts 1:20–26 – The apostles replace Judas with Matthias through prayer and ordination.
- Acts 14:23 – Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in every church.
While the term “apostolic succession” does not appear in Scripture, these verses indicate a pattern of authoritative, orderly transmission of ministry.
3.2 Early Church Testimony
- Irenaeus of Lyons (c.180 AD) emphasised succession from the apostles as a test of authentic doctrine (Against Heresies, 3.3.1).
- Tertullian (c.200 AD) argued that true churches could trace their bishops back to the apostles.
This succession was seen not just as symbolic continuity, but as real authority grounded in the apostles and preserved by the Spirit.
4. Catholic and Orthodox Theology
4.1 Roman Catholic View
- Apostolic succession is essential for a valid church.
- The Pope is the successor of Peter, the chief of the apostles (cf. Matthew 16:18).
- Only bishops in the apostolic line can consecrate the Eucharist, ordain clergy, and teach authoritatively.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“Apostolic succession is the transmission, by means of the sacrament of Holy Orders, of the mission and power of the apostles…” (CCC §861–862)
4.2 Eastern Orthodox View
- Emphasises collegiality rather than papal supremacy.
- Apostolic succession is maintained through the episcopacy, with each bishop participating equally in the apostolic ministry.
- The validity of sacraments depends on maintaining this succession and right belief (orthodoxy).
Orthodox churches also maintain that apostolic succession must be both historical and doctrinal—a church may have succession physically but lose it spiritually through heresy.
5. Protestant Perspectives
Most Protestant denominations reject apostolic succession in its sacramental and hierarchical sense, especially those stemming from the Reformation.
| View | Position on Apostolic Succession |
|---|---|
| Lutheran & Anglican | Some retain succession in a modified form (e.g. via bishops), but without Roman sacramental theology |
| Reformed & Evangelical | Authority lies in the Scriptures, not lineage; succession is spiritual and doctrinal, not institutional |
| Pentecostal/Charismatic | Emphasise apostolic power or function, not historic ordination lineage |
Reformers like Calvin and Zwingli argued that the Word of God is the Church’s true foundation (Ephesians 2:20), and that visible succession is no guarantee of doctrinal truth.
6. Contemporary Importance
6.1 Unity and Continuity
- For Catholic and Orthodox believers, apostolic succession guarantees unity with the historic Church, protecting from doctrinal innovation.
- It gives credibility to sacramental life, especially the Eucharist, as acts performed with Christ-given authority.
6.2 Authority and Legitimacy
- The Church’s ability to speak for Christ, teach the faith, and resolve disputes (cf. Acts 15) is grounded in this concept.
- It distinguishes the historic apostolic churches from later movements or schisms.
7. Key Theological Concerns and Critiques
| Concern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Doctrinal corruption | Critics argue that apostolic succession does not prevent theological error (e.g. selling of indulgences, abuse of power). |
| New Testament silence | No explicit teaching outlines a formal succession structure; continuity appears functional, not institutional. |
| Spiritual succession | Reformers argue the true Church is where Christ is preached and sacraments rightly administered (cf. Article XIX, Thirty-Nine Articles). |
| Authority vs. humility | Apostolic authority was marked by service, suffering, and witness, not hierarchy and control (2 Corinthians 11:23–30). |
8. Conclusion
Apostolic succession is the doctrine that the Church’s authority, teaching, and sacramental life have been passed down from the apostles through a continuous line of bishops. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches view it as essential for ecclesial legitimacy, sacramental validity, and unity with the early Church.
While biblical support is implied, not explicit, apostolic succession remains a central dividing line between historic and Protestant ecclesiologies. At heart, the debate revolves around what constitutes true continuity with the apostles—historical ordination, doctrinal fidelity, or both.
9. References
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). (1997). Vatican.
- Irenaeus. Against Heresies. Book III.
- Pelikan, J. (1971). The Christian Tradition, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition. University of Chicago Press.
- McGrath, A. E. (2012). Christian Theology: An Introduction (5th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
- Chadwick, H. (1993). The Early Church. Penguin.
- Ware, K. (1993). The Orthodox Church. Penguin.