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The doctrine of apostolic succession claims that the authority given to the apostles by Jesus was passed down in an unbroken line of successors, typically bishops, through the laying on of hands. This teaching is particularly emphasized in Roman Catholic theology but is also acknowledged in certain forms by the Orthodox Church and some Protestant denominations. However, the critical question is whether the concept of apostolic succession is biblical. This article will examine the scriptural evidence—or lack thereof—concerning this doctrine, considering its origins, claims, and implications through the lens of Scripture, using the Historical-Grammatical method of interpretation.

The Biblical Role of the Apostles

The apostles held a unique and unrepeatable role in the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus personally chose them, and they were eyewitnesses to his ministry, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:45-48; Acts 1:21-22). Their mission was to establish the church through teaching, miracles, and inspired writings (Ephesians 2:20; 2 Peter 3:15-16). These functions highlight their distinct role in salvation history, one that could not be perpetuated beyond their lifetimes.

In Ephesians 2:20, Paul writes that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” The imagery here is significant: a foundation is laid once and serves as the base for the entire structure. There is no need to perpetually lay new foundations. This verse demonstrates that the apostles’ foundational role was complete and not designed to continue in the form of apostolic succession.

The Authority of Jesus Christ and the Apostles

The Scriptures consistently affirm that Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). His authority is eternal and does not require a human intermediary to govern the church in his stead. Hebrews 7:23-25 emphasizes this truth, stating, “because he remains forever, [he] holds his priesthood permanently. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him.”

While the apostles were entrusted with teaching and leadership, their authority derived directly from Jesus, and their writings preserved his teachings for all time (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The apostles’ authority was primarily exercised through their inspired writings, which now form the New Testament. The claim that modern bishops inherit apostolic authority through a ceremonial laying on of hands is not supported by Scripture.

Matthew 16:18-19 and the “Rock”

The interpretation of Matthew 16:18-19 is central to the doctrine of apostolic succession. Jesus says to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This passage has often been used to argue that Peter was the first pope and that the authority he received was passed down through his successors.

However, a closer examination of the text and its context reveals that the “rock” upon which the church is built is not Peter himself but rather the truth of Peter’s confession: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This interpretation aligns with other New Testament passages that identify Jesus as the cornerstone of the church (Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:4-8; Ephesians 2:20). While Peter played a prominent role in the early church, there is no indication that he held a superior position over the other apostles or that his authority was intended to be transmitted to successors.

The Keys of the Kingdom

Jesus’ reference to the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” in Matthew 16:19 has been used to support the idea of apostolic succession. However, the “keys” symbolize the authority to open the way to salvation through the proclamation of the gospel. Peter exercised this authority when he preached to Jews on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-39), to Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17), and to Gentiles (Acts 10:34-48). This “opening of the kingdom” through the gospel was not unique to Peter but was shared by all the apostles and later by others who faithfully preached the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Absence of Apostolic Succession in the New Testament

The New Testament provides no evidence that the apostles appointed successors to continue their unique office. While Paul instructed Timothy and Titus to appoint elders (Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:2), these individuals were not successors to the apostles but rather local leaders tasked with shepherding their congregations. Their role was not to serve as apostles but as overseers (Greek: ἐπίσκοποι, episkopoi) who upheld and taught the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7).

Furthermore, the qualifications for elders and deacons, outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, focus on character and ability rather than any claim to apostolic authority. The New Testament emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the inspired Word, not through an unbroken chain of successors (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

The Historical Development of Apostolic Succession

The concept of apostolic succession did not emerge in its developed form until the second and third centuries C.E. As the original apostles passed away, early church leaders sought to defend orthodoxy against heretical movements such as Gnosticism. They began to emphasize a connection to the apostles through the bishops of prominent cities, such as Rome, Antioch, and Alexandria. By claiming a lineage of authority from the apostles, these leaders sought to validate their teachings and practices.

This development, however, reflects a human attempt to safeguard doctrinal purity rather than a biblically mandated system. The lack of explicit support for apostolic succession in the New Testament undermines its legitimacy as a divine institution. Instead, the New Testament points to the Word of God as the ultimate authority for faith and practice (John 17:17; Acts 17:11).

Conclusion

Apostolic succession is a doctrine rooted in tradition rather than Scripture. The apostles’ unique role in establishing the church cannot be transferred or replicated, as their authority was directly tied to their eyewitness testimony and divine inspiration. The church today is built upon the foundation they laid, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Authority in the church rests not on an unbroken line of human successors but on the inspired Word of God, which continues to guide believers in all matters of faith and practice.

By adhering to the teachings of Scripture, the church remains faithful to the apostolic tradition, not through an institutional hierarchy but through the proclamation and obedience of God’s Word. The biblical evidence does not support the claims of apostolic succession but instead points to the sufficiency of Scripture and the headship of Christ over his church.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).