APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION Meaning and
Definition
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Apostolic succession refers to the unbroken lineage of bishops tracing their authority and spiritual power back to the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is a fundamental concept within many branches of Christianity, particularly in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican traditions.
According to this concept, the authority and spiritual gifts that were initially bestowed upon the apostles by Jesus were passed down through the generations by means of the ordination and consecration of bishops. This chain of consecrations ensures the continuation of apostolic teachings and the liturgical sacraments as recognized by these faith traditions.
The belief in apostolic succession holds that bishops possess a special spiritual authority distinct from other clerics, enabling them to ordain new clergy and administer the sacraments. This authority is considered to be a direct transmission of the powers granted to the apostles by Jesus Christ himself.
The concept of apostolic succession emphasizes the continuity and unity of the Church throughout history. It is seen as an essential element in preserving the true faith, as it provides a guarantee that the teachings and practices of the early apostolic Church have been faithfully preserved and handed down to subsequent generations. Thus, apostolic succession serves as a foundational principle for the legitimate transmission of spiritual authority within these Christian traditions.
Etymology of APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION
The word "apostolic succession" has its roots in the Greek language.
The term "apostolic" comes from the Greek word "apostolos", which means "one who is sent" or "messenger". It is derived from the verb "apostellein", which means "to send". In Christian context, "apostolic" refers to the apostles, who were the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings.
The word "succession" comes from the Latin word "successio", which means "a following after" or "a sequence". It is derived from the verb "succedere", which means "to follow after" or "to come after". In the context of "apostolic succession", it refers to the continued passing on of authority and leadership from the original apostles to their successors, who became bishops and leaders of the early Christian Church.
