Apostolic succession

Apostolic succession is a vital doctrine in Christianity, safeguarding the continuity of the Church’s authority from the apostles to present-day bishops. However, some Christian sects reject this teaching, claiming that all believers are equally ordained into the priesthood of Jesus Christ. This interpretation misrepresents the biblical and historical understanding of the Church’s leadership. In the Gospel of John, chapter 20, Jesus specifically entrusts His apostles with the unique responsibility of absolving sins and continuing His mission. John 20:21 highlights this, as Jesus says, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you," thereby establishing a clear and distinct commissioning of the apostles.

Pastor Shibu Peediyekkal’s video series explores the arguments for the necessity of apostolic succession, grounding his explanations in both scripture and the early Church’s tradition. He emphasizes how Jesus’ delegation of authority to the apostles, particularly in John 20, shows that the power of the priesthood and the absolution of sins were not meant to be given to all believers indiscriminately, but rather to the apostles and their successors.

The Orthodox and Catholic Churches hold that apostolic succession is not just a historical formality but a theological necessity. Both traditions maintain that without apostolic succession, the Church loses its connection to the authority Christ gave to the apostles. Pastor Shibu addresses these crucial points, countering the claims of those who dismiss apostolic succession and demonstrating why this doctrine is indispensable to the true Christian faith.

Here are some of his key videos on the subject:

  1. The Biblical Basis for Apostolic Succession

  2. Why Apostolic Succession is Necessary: Orthodox and Catholic Perspectives

  3. Refuting the "Priesthood of All Believers" Misinterpretation

  4. John 20:21-23: The Apostles' Unique Commissioning

  5. Apostolic Authority: Its Role in Preserving the Faith

These videos present a compelling argument for the need to uphold apostolic succession, rooted in scripture, the early Church’s teachings, and the unwavering position of both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions