The doctrine of apostolic succession is a foundational belief in many Christian traditions, particularly within Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism. However, even for those outside these traditions, understanding apostolic succession helps us grasp the biblical and historical basis for ordination and the transmission of spiritual authority within the Church.
What is Apostolic Succession?
Apostolic succession is the belief that the authority given by Christ to His apostles has been handed down through successive generations of church leaders. This succession is often understood in terms of ordination, where bishops, priests, and deacons are consecrated by those who were themselves ordained in an unbroken chain tracing back to the apostles.
At its core, apostolic succession ensures the continuity of the Church’s teaching, sacramental ministry, and pastoral oversight. It guards against theological drift, maintains order within the Church, and affirms that those who serve in leadership roles have been entrusted with a sacred duty.
Biblical Support for Apostolic Succession
While the term “apostolic succession” does not explicitly appear in Scripture, the concept is deeply embedded in the New Testament. Several passages highlight the transmission of authority from the apostles to their successors:
1. Jesus Commissioning the Apostles
Before His ascension, Jesus granted His apostles authority to teach, make disciples, and baptize in His name:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV)
This commission implies a need for ongoing leadership in the Church, which would extend beyond the lives of the original apostles.
2. The Replacement of Judas
In Acts 1, we see an early example of apostolic succession when the apostles replaced Judas Iscariot with Matthias:
“‘Let another take his office’” (Acts 1:20, quoting Psalm 109:8) … And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26, ESV)
The apostles understood their leadership role as something that could be passed on to others. This demonstrates that apostolic authority was not limited to the original Twelve but was meant to be maintained through successors.
3. Paul’s Instructions to Timothy and Titus
Paul provides the clearest model of apostolic succession in his letters to Timothy and Titus. He instructs them to appoint leaders in the Church and to ensure that they continue sound teaching:
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Paul envisions a chain of leadership: he received authority from Christ, he passed it to Timothy, and Timothy was to pass it to other faithful men, ensuring continuity in the Church.
Similarly, Paul writes to Titus:
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5, ESV)
Here, Paul instructs Titus to ordain elders (presbyters), demonstrating that church leadership must be intentionally handed down.
4. The Laying on of Hands
The New Testament repeatedly describes ordination as involving the laying on of hands, a symbolic act signifying the transfer of authority:
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.” (1 Timothy 5:22, ESV)
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6, ESV)
The laying on of hands was not merely symbolic but was seen as a means by which spiritual authority and gifts were imparted.
Why Apostolic Succession Matters for Ordination
1. Ensures Doctrinal Continuity – Apostolic succession helps maintain theological integrity by ensuring that church leaders are trained and appointed by those who are doctrinally sound. This guards against heresy and maintains the purity of the gospel message.
2. Preserves Church Unity – A succession of ordained leaders provides continuity in leadership, helping to prevent divisions and schisms within the Church. Throughout church history, groups that rejected apostolic succession often struggled with maintaining unity.
3. Provides a Legitimate Ministerial Authority – Those who receive ordination in apostolic succession are not self-appointed but receive their calling within the Church’s historic framework. This affirms that their ministry is part of the larger mission of Christ’s Church rather than an independent endeavor.
4. Connects the Church to Its Biblical and Historical Roots – Apostolic succession reminds us that the Church is not a human invention but is built upon the foundation of the apostles, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). It roots present-day ministry in the practices of the early Church.
Conclusion
Apostolic succession is not just a historical or denominational concern—it is a biblical principle that underscores the importance of ordained leadership in the Church. From the replacement of Judas to Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus, Scripture demonstrates that church authority was intended to be passed down through ordained successors.
For those who take church leadership seriously, apostolic succession is a safeguard, ensuring that those who minister do so with legitimate, biblically grounded authority. It affirms that ordination is not merely a human tradition but a vital means by which Christ continues to shepherd His Church through faithful leaders.
