Thread: What is Apostolic Succession? What is an Apostle?
Admin
What is Apostolic Succession? What is an Apostle?
Posted : 19 Feb, 2010 11:41 AM
Hi Everyone,
PhillipJohn had asked a question pertaining to what an Apostle is. Here is a study i did regarding this some time ago. This will address Apostolic Succession and the definition of what it mean to be an "apostle".
What is Apostolic Succession? Is it Biblical?
Apostolic Succession is the belief that the Apostles of Jesus passed on the power and authority given to them by Christ to their disciples and so on and so on. The Roman Catholic Church makes this claim of an unbroken line from Peter to the present Pope. However when we examine the scriptures we do not find this authority. We actually find the contrary. There are also others who claim to be Apostles OF Jesus Christ in modern times.
Let me say right up front that it is impossible for anyone to become an Apostle "OF" Jesus Christ unless Jesus comes to Earth and appoints you personally. In each case where Christ appointed an Apostle, that Apostle received supernatural powers.
Let us first examine what the term "Apostle" means.
G652
apostolos pronounced ap-os'-tol-os
From G649; a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle"), (with miraculous powers): - apostle, messenger, he that is sent.
The meaning is "one who is sent" with the authority *** OF THE SENDER.*** It is NOT an office like a Bishop, Pastor or Elder. It is important to understand this. The little word "OF" is the key to knowing whose apostle you are.
There were all together 13 Apostles OF Christ, then finally down to 12. Judas as we know betrayed Christ and killed himself. So who was the replacement for Judas? Who later became an Apostle "OF" Christ? This means that it is Christ who must appoint that person directly and personally in order to be HIS Apostle. The word "OF" is WHO personally appointed that Apostle.
Paul's own testimony tell us.
Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), NKJV
On the road to Damascus Paul had an encounter.
Act 22:6 "Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.
7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'
8 So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9 "And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.
10 So I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.'
When speaking to King Agrippa, Paul gave more details concerning this account.
Act 26:14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,
Act 26:18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'NKJV
There is no question that it was Paul who was appointed by Jesus which made Paul an "Apostle OF Jesus Christ".
But what about Mattias?
While the Disciples were still waiting for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them and give them power as Christ commanded, they appeared to get impatient concerning replacing Judas Iscariot. Consider that the Apostles were not yet with power of the Holy Spirit and so they moved in their flesh and not in the Spirit as they did not possess Him as yet.
Act 1:21 "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen
25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."
26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Notice that the apostles made an "ASSUMPTION" that Jesus had chosen one of the two men they mentioned. They were in serious error here as Jesus did not choose either of these men. If Jesus had wanted either of these two men then why didn't HE pick one of them while He was still here for 40 days before HIS Ascention?
So though Matthias was appointed an apostle of the Gospel by the Apostles, he was still not an Apostle "OF" Christ. He was an apostle of an apostle, that is all and he did not have the same powers the original 11 had and that Paul also was given by Christ. How can we confirm that there were only 12 Apostles OF Jesus? See below.
Rev 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
One of the things in scripture you should note is that the Apostles never had the power or ability to pass on their specific powers. Yes they chose leaders and yes they had disciples and yes they passed on certain "gifts" to individuals but no one possessed their unique powers of transferring gifts and they did not have the power or authority to appoint someone to be an Apostle "OF" Jesus Christ as only Jesus can personally do that as the scriptures demonstrated.
I want you to notice this scripture below. The historical context is that back then there were people "claiming" to be apostles OF Jesus Christ yet they were not. Remember Jesus only appointed 12.
Rev 2:2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; NKJV
Can we apply this today? I believe so as there are people in modern churches today that also claim to be Apostles "OF" Jesus Christ. How do you test them as they did back then? A true Apostle "OF" Jesus Christ has supernatural gifts one of which is the ability to lay hands on EVERYONE and heal them instantly without exception. Take someone you know who is crippled badly and see if they can get them to get up and walk instantly and be 100% healed. They can cast out demons, they can drink deadly poisons and not get hurt or die and they can handle deadly snakes and will not be injured or die. But as scriptures tell us, Jesus only appointed 12.
What about Apostolic Succession? I thought you were going to refute it? Apostolic Succession does not mean that every Catholic Priest is an Apostle...it just means that they can Trace their Ordination "through the laying on of hands" all the way back to The Apostles and to Christ. This was never refuted by any person...never...not in all of Church History, until recent times. No vast outcry from Christians...not even Luther denied this!
"...what you bind on earth is bound in Heaven. What you set loose on earth is loosen in Heaven." Does that sound like "Power of Attorney"? Like some sort of Authority is being given?
Could everything written by The Early Church Fathers be wrong? Could Scripture be wrong? What does that mean "..what you bind on earth..."?
The Catholic Church does not Teach that the powers of The Apostles was "passed on" to those that they ordained. It teaches that those powers died with The Apsotles.
Please make sure what you say is Truth ...is true, otherwise you will be Misleading our Brothers and Sisters.
A Catholic Priest has no more "power" than you or I do (other than what Christ and The Holy Spirit wishes to bestow upon us).
Anything you want to know about what The Catholic Church believes is in The Catechism (along with Scriptural Readings that back up Doctrine).
What do you think about The Apostle's Creed? About The Nicene Creed?
Very interesting conversation. I have to say that I agree with Walter about the twelve apostles and Paul being the twelfth.
Apostolic succession is not so easy. Obviously the gifts that they had did not keep going. No one is being healed because someone's shadow fell on them. However, I think there are three modern churches that claim an unbroken line back to the Apostles. Of these I think the Catholics and Church of Christ have the best records. I think all the records have been ripped apart by other denominations, but the fact remains that they have them. Why would you keep them if they did not prove what you claim?
You said: "Apostolic Succession does not mean that every Catholic Priest is an Apostle...it just means that they can Trace their Ordination "through the laying on of hands" all the way back to The Apostles and to Christ. This was never refuted by any person...never...not in all of Church History, until recent times. No vast outcry from Christians...not even Luther denied this!
"...what you bind on earth is bound in Heaven. What you set loose on earth is loosen in Heaven." Does that sound like "Power of Attorney"? Like some sort of Authority is being given?
Could everything written by The Early Church Fathers be wrong? Could Scripture be wrong? What does that mean "..what you bind on earth..."?""
WALTER: First I never said that a Priest was an apostle. Priests, bishops, Cardinals and the Pope are not Apostles OF Jesus Christ. They never were and could never be.
Second. The "laying on of hands" by the Apostles was not for any purpose other than exercising of Spiritual gifts and passing gifts to others. They in no way had the power to appoint Apostles of Jesus Christ nor pass on the power they had so other could pass on that power. No succession of power.
Furthermore, After the Apostles died no one other that Christ was the head of the local churches. Each church was independent and not subject to any head or authority other than Christ Himself. That is how Christ had the churches set up.
Regarding Mat 18:18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.NKJV
Who was Jesus talking to in this passage?
Mat 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Jesus was talking to His Disciples. What is the context? Church discipline. How do you get this verse and apply it to giving authority as a verse to establish the Apostles as giving authority to make other Apostles and eventually the RCC being part of that "succession". This passage has nothing to do with what you are trying to imply.
The burden of proof is on the Roman Catholic Church to prove they have Apostolic Succession and it must be demonstrated with clear scriptures. If Apostolic Succession were true as the Roman Catholic Church "claims", then the Pope would have the exact same powers as the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. Let the Pope lay his hands and heal every sick person he touched, every lame person, every blind person, every death person, etc. Let him clear out the hospitals and the mental wards.
2Cor 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. NKJV
Matthias the 13th Apostle (chosen by the remaining eleven apostles)
Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The scripture does not say that there was a big hurry to choose a new apostle. You can�t read your own theology into the text. If you read your own viewpoint into the text you will always get the wrong interpretation. The Jews used the method of lots to determine who would be the new apostle. Their belief was that God would use divine intervention so that the correct person drew the correct lot thus settling the matter.
The other Apostles
Andronicus and Junia
Romans 16:7 (KJV)
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
This verse does not indicate that they were popular among the apostles. Rather, it implies they were apostles, known by the apostles. We do not know much about Andronicus and Junia. Perhaps Junia was the wife of Andronicus. Junia is the feminine of Junius. If Junia is indeed a female, then Junia is the only instance of a female apostle in the bible.
Apollos
1 Cor. 4:4-9 (KJV)
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. [6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. [7] For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? [8] Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. [9] For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Paul includes Apollos along with himself in the apostolate.
Barnabas
Acts 14:14 (KJV)
Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Barnabas was the first person to treat Paul as a friend after Paul�s conversion.
Epaphroditus
Philip. 2:25 (KJV)
Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
The word messenger is apostolos in the Greek language.
James, the Lord�s brother
Galatians 1:19 (KJV)
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Paul
The apostle Paul
Two Unnamed Apostles
2 Cor. 8:23 (KJV)
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
The word messenger is apostolos in the Greek language.
Silvanus and Timotheus
1 Thes. 1:1; 2:6 (KJV)
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thes. 2:6 (KJV)
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
Paul includes Silvanus and Timotheus as apostles along with himself.
So there are more than 12 apostles as we see. I didn't include verses for Paul because we know who he is.
You are missing the main point. Jesus only picked 12 Apostles. The grammar does not allow any other conclusion. The word "OF" determines whose apostle one is. Sure there were other "apostles" but they were not Apostles OF Jesus Christ. Apostle simply means "one who is sent" under the authority of the person who directly sent them. It is not a "office" like a Elder or Bishop or Deacon.
Rev 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
How many Apostles of the Lamb? Twelve. That's all.
Hallelujah, Yes there was the first twelve, there was a distinction in those twelve but all the others since then are just as much appointed by Jesus as all other ministry gifts are and will continue you to be until Jesus comes back, we are still in the same church under the same covenant.
This verse is still the word of God:" Thy Word is Truth".
Acts 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
We know that concerning the apostles drawing lots to choose a replacement God had the final say.
Proverbs 16:33 (KJV)
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
There were the 12 picked by Jesus while He was in the flesh. However, the apostolate continued on after His assent to Heaven. The apostolate did not cease to exist simply because �the original twelve� died.
Now the question is was Paul �the twelfth apostle�? The answer is no. Paul did not meet the requirement. Peter tells us the requirements: Beginning from John, unto the day of assent ion, must one be ordained. Acts 1:26 tells us that it was Matthias who was numbered with the eleven.
Acts 1:21-26 (KJV)
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. [26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Paul did not walk side by side in the flesh with the Lord Jesus Christ! He was not a witness with the remaining eleven of Christ�s resurrection. His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus does not qualify him to be listed among the �twelve� as Acts 1:26 clearly states that Matthias was numbered with the eleven.
Jesus appointed Paul, man appointed Matthias. Jesus never told the Apostles to elect one but it is Peter in an urgency to replace Judas Iscariot elected one.
Paul makes it very clear in his epistles that he is an Apostle, NOT appointed of man, but by Jesus Christ himself, having appeared to him on the road to Damascus.
Where are Mattias' teachings? His miracles? His churches? His followers? His writings? His people he healed? or saved? or Baptized?
Peter was told to do ONe thing until the Spirit arrived, and that was to wait. Peter never was too good at waiting, he always wanted to charge ahead. He made a mistake, it sure wasn't the first one. I am sure it will not be the last.
