Apostolic Succession

[reyb]

[indent]Acts 1:15-26

[color="#FF0000"]In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."

(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms,

"'May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,'

and,

"'May another take his place of leadership.'

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. [/color]NIV[/indent]


Are you referring to the above verse?
How can you 'fit' the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church regarding Apostolic Succession from the above verse? It is written, [color="#FF0000"]For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection[/color]."

Again, 'to become a witness with us of his resurrection', Do your tradition in apostolic succession consider it?

Edited January 10, 2008 by reyb

[reyb]

In short, I am asking 'Do the Roman's Apostles who have been become 'apostles' because of this tradition (Apostolic Succession) - witnessess of Christ's resurrection?

[Mateo el Feo]

[quote name='reyb' post='1445169' date='Jan 13 2008, 01:28 AM']In short, I am asking 'Do the Roman's Apostles who have been become 'apostles' because of this tradition (Apostolic Succession) - witnessess of Christ's resurrection?[/quote]By "Roman's", are you refering to the "Roman" Catholic Church? Not too sure about your phrasing.

My understanding is that this passing on of authority is illuminated by New Testament concepts such as mission and being sent (e.g. "As the Father has sent me [Jesus], so I send you..."). If you look at the Catholic Encyclopedia's entry on "Apostolicity" ([url="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01648b.htm"]link[/url]), you'll notice that it doesn't even mention the appointment of Mathias to fill Judas' void. If you follow the link, it should give you a bit more insight into how the Catholic Church views Apostolicity.

My basic position: I think it's pretty difficult to imagine a Church in which the Apostles have no means to formally pass on their authority. Maybe you disagree?

Edited January 13, 2008 by Mateo el Feo

[CatherineM]

Go down and ask your bishop to see his apostolic paperwork. Besides being fascinating it will make you feel apostolic succession in a whole new way. Seeing the names, places and dates brings the history alive.

[CatherineM]

Go down and ask your bishop to see his apostolic paperwork. Besides being fascinating it will make you feel apostolic succession in a whole new way. Seeing the names, places and dates brings the history alive.