Apostolic Succession, Acts 1:21-22

This post concerns the criteria for apostolic succession.

Apostolic Succession discusses replacing apostles after they die.

Several religious groups believe that the authority of the apostles has been continually passed down from the original apostles to today’s leaders. The Bible does not teach this idea.

Consider Judas Iscariot. He betrayed Jesus and then killed himself. Shortly after Christ’s ascension, Pater recalled two prophecies that called for replacement of people like Judas, Psalms 69:25 and 109:8. “May their camp… desolation; let no one dwell in their tents…

…May his days…few; may another take his office!”

Since Judas died by suicide, Peter concluded that someone must take Judas’ place and laid down the criteria for choosing such a person, Acts 1:21-22. “So, one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us— one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

So, after prayer, God designated Matthias as Judas’ replacement.

This rule of succession rules out any person born after the last of that generation died. Thus, no one born after about 30 AD could become an apostle like Judas.

Another clear case concerns the Apostle James. Herod Agrippa wanted to please the Jews, Acts 12:2. “He killed James the brother of John with the sword,”

However, unlike with Judas, no prophecy covered murder of righteous men or apostles. So, the church and the apostles, directed by the Holy Spirit, did nothing to replace James after his death.

The conclusion from this incident and aftermath clearly shows that the Holy Spirit did not want a new apostle to replace one that died.

Thus, no Bible authority exists for apostolic succession either in Bible days or thereafter. Those who claim apostolic succession need to abandon that concept and follow only what the Holy Spirit directed as found in the New Testament.

Today, let us return to following the scriptures exactly.

So, what did we learn?

1.Replacement of Judas followed prophecies in Psalms.

2.The Holy Spirit did not direct the church to replace the Apostle James upon his death.

3.No scripture authorizes apostolic succession.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#replaceJudas #doNotReplaceJames #noAuthorityApostolicSuccession