Apostolic succession

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Apostolic succession is a doctrine in Christianity that asserts that the bishops of the Church are the spiritual successors to the original Apostles of Jesus Christ. This concept is fundamental to the beliefs of several Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion, and some Protestant denominations.

History

The concept of apostolic succession dates back to the early Christian Church. According to tradition, the apostles appointed successors, known as bishops, to continue their ministry and maintain the integrity of the Church's teachings. This practice was intended to preserve the apostolic tradition and ensure the continuity of the Church's leadership.

Theological Basis

Apostolic succession is based on several key theological principles:

• The Great Commission: Jesus' command to the apostles to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20).
• The laying on of hands: The practice of ordination through the laying on of hands, as seen in the New Testament (Acts 6:6, 1 Timothy 4:14).
• The preservation of doctrine: The belief that apostolic succession ensures the transmission of true Christian doctrine and guards against heresy.

Denominational Views

Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church holds that apostolic succession is essential for the validity of its sacraments and the authority of its bishops. The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, is considered the successor of Saint Peter, who is believed to have been appointed by Jesus as the leader of the apostles.

Eastern Orthodox Church

The Eastern Orthodox Church also upholds the doctrine of apostolic succession, emphasizing the unbroken continuity of the Church's hierarchy and the preservation of apostolic teaching. Each bishop is seen as a successor to the apostles, maintaining the unity and orthodoxy of the Church.

Anglican Communion

The Anglican Communion recognizes apostolic succession as a sign of the Church's continuity with the early Christian community. However, there is some diversity of opinion within Anglicanism regarding the necessity and interpretation of apostolic succession.

Protestant Denominations

Some Protestant denominations, such as the Lutheran Church and the Methodist Church, accept a form of apostolic succession, though they may interpret it differently from the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Other Protestant groups, such as the Baptist Church and the Pentecostal Church, do not emphasize apostolic succession, focusing instead on the authority of the Bible and the priesthood of all believers.

Criticism and Controversy

Apostolic succession has been a point of contention among different Christian denominations. Critics argue that the doctrine is not explicitly supported by the New Testament and that it can lead to an overemphasis on hierarchical authority. Supporters, however, maintain that apostolic succession is crucial for maintaining the unity and doctrinal integrity of the Church.

Related Pages

• Apostle (Christian)
• Bishop
• Great Commission
• Ordination
• Pope
• Saint Peter
• Christianity
• Roman Catholic Church
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Anglican Communion
• Protestantism