The Role of Apostolic Succession in Preserving Christian Orthodoxy

Historical and Theological Analysis

Apostolic succession, the unbroken transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles through successive popes and bishops, is pivotal in preserving Christian orthodoxy. This section looks into its theological foundation and historical practice, evaluating theological debates and ecclesiastical documents that underscore its significance across various Christian traditions.

The Theological Foundation of Apostolic Succession

Apostolic succession finds its roots in the theological understanding of the Church as a divinely instituted entity, tasked with transmitting the apostolic faith. The New Testament provides the basis for this concept, portraying the apostles as the primary witnesses and teachers of Jesus Christ’s message. Jesus, commissioning the apostles, declared, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21, ESV).

In an early council, Bishop Polycarp addressed his fellow clergy:

“Brethren, it is not merely tradition we uphold, but the very lifeblood of our faith. The unbroken line from the apostles to our present bishops is our assurance that we guard the true teachings of Christ. Without this succession, how shall we stand against the heresies that threaten to divide us?”

Clement of Rome, in his letter to the Corinthians, reinforced this continuity: “The apostles received the gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ… through the Holy Spirit” (1 Clement 42). This statement underscores the belief that the apostles and their successors are stewards of the faith delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

Historical Practice of Apostolic Succession

Historically, apostolic succession was more than a theological concept; it was a practical means of maintaining doctrinal integrity and unity within the Church. The early Church meticulously recorded the succession of bishops to ensure the faithful transmission of apostolic teachings. Irenaeus of Lyons, in the second century, documented detailed episcopal successions in his work Against Heresies, highlighting an unbroken chain of leadership from the apostles to his present day (Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.3.1).

During a pivotal gathering, Bishop Ignatius of Antioch spoke passionately:

“Polycarp speaks wisely. The apostles were entrusted by our Lord Himself to shepherd His flock. We, their successors, must remain vigilant. As it is written, ‘Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account’ (Hebrews 13:17). This divine mandate cannot be taken lightly.”

This historical practice served as a bulwark against heresy. During theological controversies, the Church looked to the succession of bishops as a mark of authenticity. Tertullian, in his Prescription Against Heretics, challenged those outside the apostolic tradition to demonstrate their connection to the original apostles, asserting that true doctrine could be traced through the apostolic line (Tertullian, Prescription Against Heretics 32).

Theological Debates on Apostolic Succession

Apostolic succession has been the subject of significant theological debate, especially during the Reformation. Protestant reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, criticized the Roman Catholic Church’s emphasis on apostolic succession, arguing that true apostolicity lies in fidelity to apostolic teachings found in Scripture rather than in an unbroken episcopal lineage.

In response, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) reaffirmed the importance of apostolic succession, declaring that “the bishops have succeeded to the place of the apostles, as pastors of the Church” (Council of Trent, Session 23). This affirmation was vital in maintaining the Catholic Church’s claim to continuity with the early Church and its teachings.

In the modern era, the Second Vatican Council further elaborated on this concept. Lumen Gentium states, “The bishops have by divine institution taken the place of the apostles as pastors of the Church, in such wise that whoever listens to them is listening to Christ and whoever despises them despises Christ and him who sent Christ” (Lumen Gentium, 20). This document emphasizes that apostolic succession is essential for preserving the integrity and orthodoxy of the Church’s teachings.

Reflecting on these debates, an elder bishop, Clement of Rome, added:

“Our role is to be the steadfast guardians of the faith. When I wrote to the Corinthians, it was to remind them of this very duty: ‘The apostles received the gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ… through the Holy Spirit.’ This sacred trust must not falter in our hands.”

Apostolic Succession in Different Christian Traditions

Apostolic succession is upheld in various forms by the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and some Lutheran churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church places great emphasis on the unbroken succession of bishops as a sign of the true Church. Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas writes, “The bishop is the living image of Christ in his Church and the guarantor of apostolic continuity” (Zizioulas, 1985).

The Anglican Communion, while maintaining the practice of apostolic succession, interprets it more broadly. The Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral, a foundational document for Anglican ecumenism, asserts that apostolic succession ensures “the continuity and unity of the Church” (Lambeth Conference, 1888).

During a discussion among Anglican bishops, Bishop Irenaeus of Lyons, inspired by the words of his predecessors, concluded:

“Let us remember that our authority is not of our own making, but bestowed upon us by Christ through the apostles. It is through this holy succession that we preserve the unity and purity of the Church. We must be ever diligent, for in our fidelity lies the true apostolic faith.”

Conclusion

Apostolic succession has played a vital role in preserving Christian orthodoxy throughout church history. By providing a tangible link to the apostles, it ensures the continuity of the Church’s teaching and authority. Despite theological debates and differences in interpretation among Christian traditions, apostolic succession remains a cornerstone of ecclesiastical identity and doctrinal integrity. Irenaeus aptly concludes, “Where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.24.1).

This was part four of five on apostolic teachings and their influence on the Church’s mission. Check back tomorrow for the final part on the early church fathers and their role of developing church doctrine. 

References

1. Clement of Rome. (n.d.). 1 Clement. Retrieved from New Advent

2. Council of Trent. (1545-1563). Session 23. Retrieved from The Council of Trent

3. Irenaeus. (n.d.). Against Heresies. Retrieved from New Advent

4. Lambeth Conference. (1888). The Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral. Retrieved from Anglican Communion

5. Second Vatican Council. (1964). Lumen Gentium. Retrieved from Vatican

6. Tertullian. (n.d.). Prescription Against Heretics. Retrieved from New Advent

7. Zizioulas, J. D. (1985). Being as Communion: Studies in Personhood and the Church. St Vladimir’s Seminary Press.