Apostolic succession. The question for many centuries. Who has authority in the Church? Who is in charge? Jesus warned us about dealing with this issue, reminding us that it is the “Gentiles”, the nations of the world, who are especially concerned about it. In the world, everyone wants to be the best. Top woman, today, but we must look for the bottom. Servitude. Slaves of Christ, we are called. However, Jesus did not shy away from the issue and let us know that there are indeed leaders among us. First of all, not only “in heaven”, but right here with us, is the Chief Shepherd of the sheep, Lord of the Church, who said: “All authority it has been given to me … “
That fixes that! All authority given to Jesus. He rules. Period. Then he went on to say, “Go therefore, preach, baptize, teach.” Since Jesus is in charge, come on, in His authority.
Now, just before that last word, the apostle John lets us enter into a private conversation between Peter and Jesus. It was this little glimpse that gave the Medieval Church the idea that not just Peter, but some imagined “line” that would follow Peter, would be the true rulers of the church. Do you remember the incident?
Peter, do you love me? I sure love you. Then feed My lambs. You love Me? Of course I love you! Feed my sheep. You really love me? Master, you know everything. Surely you must know that I love you. Three denials of arrest. Now three statements, when Jesus arrests Peter.
We don’t have to say the opposite of Rome in every word they speak. Remember that a good part of Roman teaching is taken directly from your Bible. It is the other party that we must oppose. There can be no explanation for this passage that denies Peter the leading role in that Jerusalem church. Yes, James was the “administrator”, yes, Paul was free to oppose him. It was not an autocratic military government. But it was true leadership. Peter is always in a leadership position when you see him in the Book of Acts. Ultimately, his leadership position led him to go to the cross as his Master had done. True service.
Of course, it should be noted that without consulting the Jerusalem church, “Peter’s flock,” Jesus called another apostle, Paul, who established a new order of congregations among the Gentiles, independent of Jerusalem, ruled by well elders. chosen and complete. Holy Spirit.
The fact that the other apostles participated in Peter’s leadership is attested throughout Acts and the stories that trace each of them to a violent death. Jesus had indicated this by filling them with the Spirit even before Pentecost and giving them a commission.
So they led, they fed, they died. His testimony of the resurrection was sealed. They laid the foundations, their words were recorded and broadcast. Done. Course finished.
Where we differ from Rome and from all the “apostles” of the last days is in the need for this apostolic work to continue. Who succeeded Peter? Neither. Where was the “headquarters” for many years? That question has been questioned in all ages and has never been resolved. Most historians tell us that there were at least five “centers” of the church until the growing political structure of the Roman Church forced others to submit, as their predecessors in Imperial Rome had subjugated the ancient Empire. The church had fallen into the trap that Jesus warned of. The visible professing church was no better than “the nations.” The salt had lost its flavor. The world was plunged into darkness.
In each generation of that darkened church, bloody struggles decided who was the “successor” of Peter. Today, in a world decidedly democratic in its own way, Rome “votes” for God’s leadership. But whether by the sword or by the ballot box, it is a carnal line of succession that has deceived the world and much of the church for centuries.
However, the true church of God thrives. Because He has a people and provides them with leaders each time they call on His Name. The elderly are moved to their place and the real ones give their lives to protect and feed their flocks. And what do true ministers feed them? Why the words of the apostles, what else? As you can see, the answer to my original question is: “No one succeeded the apostles.” They do not need to be successful. His words have stood, by the miracle of God, for these 1,900 years, and added to the words of the prophets, they constitute all that we could possibly need.
Who are the leaders of my church? Who do I submit to? Jesus, Peter, Paul, Matthew, John and the others. And every minister of God who speaks his words. The apostles still lead the church of God. Let all would-be “apostles” of our day be sure to say exactly what they said. Those who don’t need to be challenged and stopped.