Apostolic Succession in Early Christianity

The early churches did talk about apostolic succession, but not the way the Roman Catholics do today.

The Roman Catholics argue that it is the passing down of authority, starting with Peter, then to the first bishop of Rome, and then down to everyone else ordained through the Roman church.

This is not what the early church believed.

To the early churches, succession was a proof of the preservation of the truth within the churches. Peter taught the truth—the faith once for all delivered to the saints—to Linus and other elders in Rome around A.D. 60. Linus taught it to Anacletus, Anacletus taught it to Clement, and so forth.

In the late 2nd and early 3rd century, this was a great argument. Who really understands the Scriptures and the message of the apostles? Is it not those who are directly descended—spiritually speaking—from those to whom the apostles committed their message and the churches themselves?

The following four part series covers the early church's view of apostolic succession in depth. I think you'll enjoy it.

This is one of those "talking head" videos, though the scenery's nice. I recommend listening to them like you would the radio, while you wash the dishes or have some other chore to do.