What is Apostolic Succession in the Catholic Church?

The Religion Teacher

28 Jun 202202:28

Summary

TLDRJared Deese from thereligionteacher.com explains the concept of apostolic succession in the Church. It refers to the uninterrupted line of authority from the apostles to the current bishops, particularly the Bishop of Rome, or the Pope. This succession is symbolized by the sacrament of holy orders, where authority is passed down through the laying on of hands. The Holy Spirit guides the bishops in interpreting teachings and scripture, ensuring the Church's continuity with its apostolic origins.

Takeaways

🔗 Apostolic Succession refers to the historical line of authority within the Church, tracing back to the apostles.
🛇 The term 'apostolic church' signifies that the Church's leadership is directly descended from the apostles.
👨‍🏫 Saint Peter, one of the apostles, appointed a successor before his death, establishing a lineage of bishops leading to the current Pope.
🤲 The sacrament of Holy Orders symbolizes the passing of authority through the laying on of hands, a practice mentioned in the New Testament.
👥 This practice of laying on hands was used by the apostles to delegate authority to other leaders, who became bishops.
🌟 The Holy Spirit, given to the apostles, continues to guide the bishops in interpreting Church teachings and scripture.
🔑 Apostolic succession is crucial for the belief in the continuity and authority of the Church from the time of the apostles to the present.
🌐 The Church's universality (catholicity) is linked with its apostolicity, emphasizing a global and historical unity.
🕊 The authority of the Church, as given by Jesus to the apostles, is maintained through this succession, ensuring the Church's teachings remain authentic.
📖 The concept of apostolic succession is a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of the apostles in the modern Church.

Q & A

What is Apostolic Succession?
-Apostolic Succession refers to the authority that bishops have as leaders of the church, which is believed to be traceable back to the apostles through a continuous line of bishops, including the Pope as the bishop of Rome.
Why is the term 'apostolic' used in the description of the church?
-The term 'apostolic' is used because it signifies that the church's authority and teachings can be traced back to the apostles, emphasizing the historical continuity and legitimacy of the church's leadership.
Who is Saint Peter in the context of Apostolic Succession?
-Saint Peter is considered the first bishop of Rome, and his appointment of a successor to lead the church after his death is a foundational example of Apostolic Succession.
How is the authority of the church leaders passed down according to the script?
-The authority is passed down through the sacrament of holy orders, which involves the laying on of hands, symbolizing the transfer of authority as teachers, preachers, and leaders in the church.
What is the significance of the laying on of hands in the context of the church?
-The laying on of hands is a sacramental act that symbolizes the passing down of authority and the Holy Spirit's presence in the church, as it was done by the apostles and continues through the bishops today.
How does the Holy Spirit work through the bishops according to the script?
-The Holy Spirit works through the bishops to help interpret the teachings of the church and scripture, just as it was given to the apostles, ensuring the continuity of divine guidance.
What is the importance of Apostolic Succession for the believers?
-Apostolic Succession is important because it provides a direct link between the modern church and the apostles, affirming the church's divine authority and the validity of its teachings.
How does the script connect the authority of the church today to the 12 apostles?
-The script connects the authority of the church today to the 12 apostles by illustrating the unbroken chain of bishops succeeding one another, starting with the apostles and continuing to the current bishops and the Pope.
What role does the Pope play in the concept of Apostolic Succession?
-The Pope plays a central role as the bishop of Rome and the successor of Saint Peter, embodying the continuation of apostolic authority within the Catholic Church.
Why is it crucial for the church to maintain this line of succession?
-Maintaining the line of succession is crucial as it upholds the integrity and continuity of the church's teachings, ensuring that the faith remains true to its origins as established by Jesus and the apostles.
How does the concept of Apostolic Succession relate to the mission of the church?
-Apostolic Succession relates to the mission of the church by ensuring that the teachings and practices are guided by the same authority and spirit that were present at its founding, thus preserving the church's mission to make disciples.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Apostolic Succession in the Church

Jared Deese from thereligionteacher.com explains the concept of apostolic succession, which is the authority bishops hold as leaders in the church. This authority is believed to be traceable back to the apostles themselves. The church's apostolicity is demonstrated through the succession of bishops, beginning with St. Peter who appointed a successor before his death. This succession continues through a line of bishops to the current Pope, who is the bishop of Rome. The sacrament of holy orders symbolizes the laying on of hands and the passing down of authority to teach, preach, and lead within the church. The Holy Spirit, given to the apostles, is believed to continue working through the bishops to interpret church teachings and scripture. Apostolic succession is crucial as it connects the church's authority to the apostles, ensuring the continuity of Jesus' teachings through the ages.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Apostolic Succession

Apostolic Succession refers to the historical and spiritual lineage of the authority of the bishops in the Church, tracing back to the apostles of Jesus Christ. In the video, it is emphasized that the bishops today are considered successors to the apostles, maintaining a continuous line of authority and teaching from the time of the apostles to the present. This concept is central to the video's theme of the enduring authority and legitimacy of the Church's leadership.

💡Apostolic Church

The term 'Apostolic Church' is used in the video to describe the belief that the Church's teachings and authority can be traced back to the original apostles. It signifies the continuity and authenticity of the Church's doctrine and practices, as the video explains that the Church of today is a direct spiritual descendant of the apostles, maintaining the same authority and mission.

💡Saint Peter

Saint Peter is mentioned in the video as a key figure in the establishment of Apostolic Succession. He is recognized as the first Bishop of Rome, and his appointment of a successor is seen as the beginning of the unbroken chain of leadership that continues to the current Pope. Saint Peter's role illustrates the historical foundation of the Church's authority structure.

💡Bishop of Rome

The 'Bishop of Rome,' or the Pope, is highlighted in the video as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The Pope is considered the successor of Saint Peter and holds a position of ultimate authority within the Church. The video emphasizes that the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, continues the line of apostolic succession, guiding the Church in matters of faith and morals.

💡Laying on of Hands

The 'laying on of hands' is a sacramental act in the Church that symbolizes the passing of authority and the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the video, it is explained as a practice where bishops and apostles impart their spiritual authority to others, thereby ensuring the continuity of the Church's leadership and teaching. This act is seen as a tangible link between the apostles and the current Church leaders.

💡Holy Orders

Holy Orders is a sacrament in the Church that involves the ordination of clergy, including bishops, priests, and deacons. The video explains that this sacrament is a physical manifestation of the laying on of hands, through which the authority to teach, preach, and lead within the Church is conferred. It is a crucial aspect of maintaining the Church's apostolic lineage and ensuring the proper exercise of its ministry.

💡Holy Spirit

The 'Holy Spirit' is mentioned as the divine force that guides the Church and its leaders. The video suggests that just as the Holy Spirit was given to the apostles, it continues to work through the bishops to interpret the Church's teachings and Scripture. This concept underscores the divine inspiration and authority behind the Church's leadership and its teachings.

💡Disciples

The term 'disciples' in the video refers to the followers of Jesus, including the apostles, who were the first to receive his teachings and were commissioned to spread the Gospel. The video's message encourages viewers to continue this mission by making disciples, implying the ongoing responsibility of the Church to evangelize and spread the faith, rooted in the authority of the apostles.

💡Catholic

The word 'Catholic' in the video is part of the Nicene Creed's phrase 'one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,' emphasizing the universality and comprehensiveness of the Church. It suggests that the Church is not limited to any particular region or culture but is meant to encompass all of Christendom, maintaining a unified and continuous tradition of faith.

💡Authority

In the video, 'authority' is discussed in the context of the Church's leadership and the divine mandate to teach, preach, and govern the Church. It is the legitimate power that the bishops and the Pope hold, derived from their apostolic succession. This authority is seen as essential for maintaining the integrity of the Church's teachings and practices, ensuring they are passed down faithfully from generation to generation.

Highlights

Apostolic succession refers to the authority bishops have as leaders in the church.

The church believes in being one holy catholic and apostolic church, tracing back to the apostles.

St. Peter, before his death, appointed a successor as the bishop of Rome.

The current pope is the successor in a line of bishops going back to St. Peter.

Apostles laid their hands on leaders to confer authority in the church, known as the sacrament of holy orders.

The laying on of hands is a practice mentioned in the New Testament.

The Holy Spirit works through bishops to interpret church teachings and scripture.

Apostolic succession is crucial for the belief in the continuity of the church's authority from the apostles to the present.

The authority given by Jesus to the apostles continues through the church today.

The concept of apostolic succession is integral to the belief in an apostolic church.

The church's teachings are interpreted with the guidance of the Holy Spirit through bishops.

The authority of the church is seen as unbroken, from the apostles to the current leadership.

The practice of laying on hands symbolizes the passing down of authority in the church.

The bishops are considered successors to the apostles, maintaining the church's teachings and structure.

The term 'apostolic church' signifies the historical and spiritual link to the apostles.

The church's leadership is part of a lineage that can be traced back to the apostles.

The concept of apostolic succession is a testament to the enduring authority of the church.