Sacred Scripture demonstrates that the apostles did not limit themselves to preaching and founding communities; they also established collaborators, left leaders in charge of the Churches, and transmitted authority to govern, teach, sanctify, and ordain ministers. These texts form a biblical foundation for apostolic succession and the hierarchical ministry of the Church.
1. SAINT PAUL LEFT TIMOTHY IN CHARGE OF THE CHURCH
- 1 Timothy 1:3: Saint Paul asks Timothy to remain in Ephesus to prevent certain people from teaching false doctrines.
- 1 Timothy 4:14: He reminds him of the gift he received through the laying on of hands by the presbyterate.
- 1 Timothy 5:19–22: He gives him instructions regarding the reception of accusations against presbyters and the laying on of hands.
- 2 Timothy 1:6: He reminds him that he received a gift from God through the laying on of Paul’s hands.
- 2 Timothy 4:1–5: He charges him to preach the word, correct, exhort, and fulfill his ministry.
2. SAINT PAUL LEFT TITUS IN CRETE
- Titus 1:5: “I left you in Crete so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint presbyters in every town as I directed you.”
- Titus 2:1: He commands him to teach sound doctrine.
- Titus 2:15: “Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
3. THE APOSTLES APPOINTED PRESBYTERS IN THE CHURCHES
- Acts 14:23: Paul and Barnabas appoint presbyters in every Church through prayer and fasting.
- Acts 20:17: Saint Paul summons the presbyters of Ephesus.
- Acts 20:28: He reminds them that the Holy Spirit has made them overseers to shepherd the Church of God.
- Philippians 1:1: Saint Paul greets the bishops and deacons of Philippi.
4. THE APOSTLES TRANSMITTED THEIR AUTHORITY TO OTHER MEN
- 2 Timothy 2:2: “And what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
This verse is especially important because it shows four generations of transmitting the teaching:
- Christ and the apostles.
- Saint Paul.
- Timothy and his collaborators.
- Other faithful men who would continue teaching.
- 1 Timothy 3:1–13: Saint Paul establishes the qualifications for bishops and deacons.
- Titus 1:7–9: He explains the qualities a bishop must possess.
5. THE APOSTLES LAID ON HANDS TO TRANSMIT A MINISTRY
- Acts 6:6: The apostles lay hands on the seven chosen men.
- Acts 13:2–3: The community, following the direction of the Holy Spirit, lays hands on Barnabas and Saul and sends them out.
- 1 Timothy 4:14: The laying on of hands by the presbyterate.
- 2 Timothy 1:6: The laying on of hands by Saint Paul.
CONCLUSION: The Church founded by Jesus Christ was not meant to disappear with the death of the apostles. Therefore, the apostles appointed leaders, ordained ministers, passed on the teaching, and entrusted authority to their collaborators.
Apostolic succession is not a later invention: it has its roots in apostolic practice itself, particularly in Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:2; and Acts 14:23.
These passages, read together with Apostolic Tradition, allow us to understand the continuity of the episcopal and priestly ministry in the Catholic Church.
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