What is Apostolic Succession?
Catechism Meditation:
“In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church the apostles left bishops as their successors. They gave them their own position of teaching authority.” Indeed, “the apostolic preaching, which is expressed in a special way in the inspired books, was to be preserved in a continuous line of succession until the end of time.” ―No. 77
REFLECTION. The first Christians had no doubts about how to determine which was the true Church and which doctrines were the true teachings of Christ. The test was simple: Just trace the apostolic succession of the claimants. Apostolic succession means that every Catholic bishop is part of an unbroken chain back to one of the original Apostles who were sent into the world by Jesus after receiving his authority as the original shepherds of his Church.
In the Acts of the Apostles, we see a kind of “prototype” for apostolic succession. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after he betrays Jesus and dies (Acts 1:20-26). Importantly, Matthias wasn’t just picked out of a hat. Peter cited the Old Testament as a guide, they prayed for guidance, and they cast lots to determine God’s will. Matthias then takes his place as an Apostle, part of the foundational leadership of the Church. To make sure that the apostles’ teachings would be passed down after the deaths of the apostles, Saint Paul told Timothy, “And the things you learned from me in the presence of many witnesses you must pass on to trustworthy people who will be capable of teaching others” (2 Tim. 2:2). In this passage he refers to the first three generations of apostolic succession—his own generation, Timothy’s generation, and the generation Timothy will teach.
So, why do Catholics care so much about Apostolic Succession? It’s not just about keeping a historical lineage or holding onto old traditions. It’s about staying connected to the roots of our faith. Like an heirloom passed down through generations, Apostolic Succession keeps us close to the original teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. In a rapidly changing world, it’s a comfort to know that the essence of the faith remains unchanging, anchored in an unbroken chain that extends back two thousand years.
PRAYER. Our heavenly Father, we ask that You would enable us to see the truth about Your body, Your people, Your assembly, Your Church; and from Your word, believe it, embrace it, and live it for Jesus’ sake.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“If I were not a Catholic, and were looking for the true Church in the world today, I would look for the one Church which did not get along well with the world; in other words, I would look for the Church which the world hated.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen