The concept of apostolic succession relates to the idea that authority, teaching, and grace were passed down from the apostles to bishops and leaders of the early church. This authority and succession was considered important for defending orthodox Christian teaching against heresy and false doctrine. The Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Old Catholic, and Anglican churches view apostolic succession as an important component in their structure and teaching. However, not all Christian denominations accept the doctrine of apostolic succession. Many Protestant groups believe authority comes from Scripture alone rather than a direct lineage traced back to the apostles. Examining relevant biblical passages can help shed light on this theological debate.
Evidence Used to Support Apostolic Succession
There are several key biblical passages and concepts that supporters of apostolic succession emphasize:
- In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus tells Peter he will build his church on “this rock” and gives him the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Catholics see this as establishing Peter’s unique authority that is passed down to subsequent popes.
- In John 20:21-23, Jesus tells his disciples that as the Father sent him, so he is sending them. After this, he breathes on them and commands them to receive the Holy Spirit, telling them “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.” This is seen as Jesus establishing apostolic authority and conferring sacramental authority to the disciples.
- In Acts 1:15-26, after Judas’ betrayal, the remaining apostles appoint Matthias to replace Judas as the 12th apostle. This shows the apostles understood the importance of maintaining their numbers and authoritative office after one of them fell away.
- 1 Timothy 4:14 talks about Timothy receiving a “gift” through the laying on of hands by the elders. 2 Timothy 1:6 refers to this gift again. Catholics and Orthodox believe this refers to a special grace given through apostolic succession.
- Titus 1:5 shows Paul appointing presbyters (priests/bishops) in every town, suggesting this practice of appointing local church authorities would continue after the apostles.
- Clement of Rome’s letter to the Corinthians in the late 1st century emphasizes apostolic succession and the importance of maintaining church leadership and obedience to appointed authorities.
Based on these types of biblical passages, supporters of apostolic succession argue that Jesus gave unique authority to the 12 apostles, they in turn appointed successors, and this authority was intended to be passed down throughout history through the laying on of hands.
Criticisms and Counterarguments
However, opponents of apostolic succession note potential problems with this viewpoint and offer several counterarguments:
- Nowhere does Scripture explicitly teach the concept of apostolic succession as currently formulated and practiced by Catholic/Orthodox churches. The Bible does not clearly state that apostolic authority is meant to be passed on through successive generations.
- In Matthew 23:8-10 Jesus warns against elevating church titles and positions since “you are all brothers.” He affirms only Christ as Master and Teacher, not establishing any kind of authority chain.
- While the apostles did appoint leaders (Acts 14:23), the standards were based on godly character not a special endowment of authority (1 Tim 3:1-7). Authority came from adherence to correct doctrine, not a lineage of succession (Gal 1:8-9).
- Paul affirms that Christ alone is the chief cornerstone and foundation of the church (Eph 2:20), not any succession of human leaders.
- When Judas was replaced, the criteria were that the candidate had accompanied Jesus and the apostles from the very start (Acts 1:21-22). These unique eyewitness qualifications died out in the 1st century.
- The gifts mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles are not specifically identified. Apostolic succession assumes these verses must refer to some special grace only given through the laying on of hands rather than general ministerial gifts.
- While Clement’s letter does reference apostolic succession, it was written very late (90s AD) and reflects later emerging ecclesiology rather than the teachings of the New Testament itself.
From this perspective, the New Testament focuses authority in the apostles’ divinely inspired teaching, not an ongoing succession of church offices. The Biblical qualifications for church offices like elder/overseer depend on character and doctrinal fidelity. The Bible warns against hierarchical pride and elevating human leaders rather than seeing Christ alone as head. Apostolic succession can undermine sola scriptura and sola fide if incorrectly applied.
Exegetical Analysis of Key Passages
To further evaluate these claims and objections, an exegetical analysis of the key biblical passages put forward can be helpful:
Matthew 16:18-19 – The Rock of the Church
Catholics interpret “this rock” Jesus would build his church on as referring to Peter who then receives the “keys of the kingdom.” However, many Protestants argue “this rock” refers not to Peter himself but to his prior confession of Jesus as the Christ and Son of God (Matt. 16:16). Jesus elsewhere says “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24). So the true unshakable rock is devotion to Christ and sound doctrine, not Peter’s personal authority being passed on.
John 20:21-23 – Authority to Forgive Sins
Catholics see this passage as Jesus imparting authority and sacramental power to the apostles. But others note Jesus “breathed” on all the disciples, suggesting a broader application beyond just church authorities. And rather than delegation of priestly power, Jesus’ act here echoes Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into Adam. So this passage is better understood as Jesus empowering all believers through the Spirit to proclaim the gospel message, not establishing hierarchical religious authority.
Acts 1:15-26 – Replacing Judas
While the eleven apostles did see the need to fill the office vacated by Judas, the qualifications mentioned are specifically tied to the selecting eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry, not an ongoing succession of church offices. The unique role of the 12 apostles as the foundations stones of the church (Eph 2:20, Rev 21:14) is not clearly transferable, especially since Paul was added as an apostle without regard to the original twelve.
1 Timothy 4:14 – Timothy’s Gift or Gifts?
The Greek for “gift” here is singular, but not always definitive. First Timothy likely refers to general gifts imparted to Timothy rather than some special priestly grace. Paul regularly uses “laying on of hands” in broader contexts of commissioning teachers and ministers (1 Tim. 5:22, 2 Tim. 1:6). And Timothy’s youth seems to undermine the idea he would be the unique recipient of some apostolic authority only passed on through succession (1 Tim. 4:12).
Titus 1:5 – Appointing Church Officers
Paul does advise Titus to appoint elders in every town. But the qualifications given are primarily related to godly character and doctrinal soundness. While local leaders were established, the pattern seen in Acts 14:23 suggests they were appointed and recognized based on Spirit-led consensus, not unbroken succession. So this passage is unclear support for apostolic authority being continually passed on through generations.
Analyzing these important passages in context shows that while church authority and leadership was important in the New Testament, the biblical support for a defined doctrine of apostolic succession as claimed by Catholics and Orthodox is questionable. The Bible consistently locates authority in Christ and the Word rather than a lineage of church officials.
Practical Implications
How should Christians today understand and apply biblical teaching on authority in the church? Here are some key implications:
- The examples of the apostles appointing leaders should encourage churches to have biblically qualified pastors/elders to teach sound doctrine and shepherd God’s people.
- While respecting human leaders, ultimate authority resides only in Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
- The qualifications given for church leaders should be closely followed, emphasizing godly character and teaching sound doctrine – not just claiming an unbroken line of succession.
- Even legitimate human church authorities are still fallible and should be tested against Scripture.
- There are dangers in over-emphasizing humanly devised ecclesial authority structures not clearly specified in Scripture.
- The church today should strive to emulate biblical standards of leadership while remembering that Jesus Christ alone is Lord, Master, and Foundation.
In summary, the doctrine of strict apostolic succession lacks definitive biblical support. While the apostles did appoint local church leaders, authority derives from fidelity to Christ’s divinely revealed teaching, not a bequeathed lineage of human offices. Sincere Christians can have differences on this issue, but the principles of sola scriptura and primacry of Christ should be maintained.