Apostolic Succession

What Is Apostolic Succession?

Apostolic Succession is the continuous line of bishops stretching from the Apostles to the present day.

Catholics believe Jesus Christ entrusted His authority to the Apostles and commanded them to continue His mission after His Ascension.

The Apostles then appointed successors to carry on that mission.

For nearly two thousand years, bishops have continued this succession through the laying on of hands.

This unbroken chain connects the Church today directly to the Apostles and ultimately to Jesus Christ Himself.

“As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.” — John 20:21

Christ Established the Apostles

Jesus did not simply leave behind a book.

He founded a visible Church and chose Apostles to lead it.

He taught them personally, entrusted them with authority, and commissioned them to preach, baptize, forgive sins, and shepherd His people.

The Apostles became the first leaders of the Church. Their authority came from Christ.

“All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations.” — Matthew 28:18-19

The Apostles Appointed Successors

The Apostles understood that their mission would continue after their deaths.

One of the earliest examples appears in the replacement of Judas. The Apostles chose Matthias to take the place of Judas among the Twelve.

This demonstrated that apostolic offices were intended to continue.

As Christianity spread, the Apostles ordained bishops, priests, and deacons to lead local churches.

These successors inherited the responsibility of preserving and teaching the faith.

“And they gave them lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” — Acts 1:26

The Laying On of Hands

Apostolic Succession is passed on through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

When a bishop is ordained, other bishops lay hands upon him and pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This practice comes directly from the Apostles.

Through this sacramental act, the authority Christ entrusted to the Apostles continues in the Church.

“Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.” — 1 Timothy 4:14

Apostolic Succession in Scripture

The Bible shows the Apostles appointing leaders and passing on authority.

Matthias Replaces Judas

In Acts 1:20-26, the Apostles fill the vacant apostolic office left by Judas.

Timothy Receives Authority

Saint Paul reminds Timothy of the gift given through the laying on of hands.

“Stir up the grace of God which is in thee, by the imposition of my hands.” — 2 Timothy 1:6

Ordaining Leaders

Saint Paul instructs Titus to appoint leaders throughout the Church.

“For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and shouldest ordain priests in every city.” — Titus 1:5

Passing On the Faith

Saint Paul commands Timothy to entrust the faith to faithful men who will teach others.

“The things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2

Apostolic Succession in the Early Church

The earliest Christians testified to Apostolic Succession.

Saint Clement of Rome

Around AD 96, Saint Clement explained that the Apostles appointed bishops and provided for successors after their deaths.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Around AD 107, Saint Ignatius emphasized unity with the bishop as essential to the life of the Church.

Saint Irenaeus of Lyons

Around AD 180, Saint Irenaeus appealed to the succession of bishops as evidence of the true faith handed down from the Apostles.

The earliest generations of Christians clearly believed that apostolic authority continued through successors.

Why Apostolic Succession Matters

Without Apostolic Succession:

• There would be no clear connection to the Apostles.
• Church authority would become uncertain.
• The validity of Holy Orders would be questioned.
• The faithful could not know whether the teachings they received were truly apostolic.

Apostolic Succession helps preserve unity, truth, authority, and sacramental life.

It ensures that the Church remains connected to Christ through the Apostles.

Apostolic Succession and the Bishops

Catholics believe bishops are the successors of the Apostles.

They do not receive new revelation. Instead, they safeguard the faith that was handed down once and for all by Christ and the Apostles.

Together with the Pope, bishops continue the Church’s mission of teaching, sanctifying, and governing God’s people.

Common Misunderstandings

Apostolic Succession Is Not Mere History

It is not simply tracing names on a list. It is a living transmission of authority through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

Apostolic Succession Does Not Mean Bishops Are Sinless

Individual bishops can fail personally. Apostolic Succession concerns the office and authority Christ established, not personal holiness.

Apostolic Succession Is More Than a Symbol

Catholics believe it is a real sacramental reality that preserves the Church’s connection to the Apostles.

Key Truths About Apostolic Succession

• Jesus entrusted authority to the Apostles.
• The Apostles appointed successors.
• Apostolic authority continues through bishops.
• This succession is transmitted through Holy Orders.
• Apostolic Succession connects the Church today to Christ and the Apostles.
• The Pope and bishops together safeguard the apostolic faith.
• Apostolic Succession helps preserve unity, truth, and valid sacraments.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Apostolic Succession means that Christianity is not simply a collection of personal interpretations.

The faith taught by the Catholic Church today is the same faith handed down through generations of bishops from the Apostles themselves.

When Catholics participate in the life of the Church, they are connected to a living tradition that reaches back to the very beginning of Christianity.

Explore More About the Church

Continue Learning

Now that you understand Apostolic Succession, the next question is: Why do Catholics have a Pope?

Learn why Catholics believe the Bishop of Rome serves as the visible head of the Church and successor of Saint Peter.