Apostolic Succession Explained in Plain Language

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Catholic Church structure is the concept of apostolic succession. Simply put, apostolic succession is the unbroken line of spiritual authority handed down from the apostles, who were personally chosen by Jesus Christ, to the bishops and priests of the Church today. Understanding this concept is essential to grasping why the Catholic Church claims to preserve authentic teaching, sacramental authority, and continuity with Christ Himself.

The foundation of apostolic succession begins with Jesus’ own appointment of the apostles. In Scripture, Christ called twelve men to follow Him, teach in His name, and continue His mission after His ascension. Before He left, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide them and empowered them to teach, baptize, and forgive sins. This authority was not meant to end with the apostles but to be handed down to future leaders of the Church.

The New Testament shows examples of this transmission of authority. In Acts 1:15–26, the apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas, demonstrating that leadership could be passed on in an orderly and guided way. In 2 Timothy 2:2, St. Paul instructs Timothy, “What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.” This instruction shows a clear intention to preserve apostolic teaching through generations. Apostolic succession ensures that the Church continues to teach and lead in the same authority that Christ gave the apostles.

Apostolic succession is not simply a historical claim. It is directly tied to the Church’s ability to administer the sacraments validly. Only bishops, who are successors of the apostles, can ordain other bishops, priests, and deacons. This unbroken chain guarantees that the sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Holy Orders are carried out with authentic authority. In other words, when a Catholic receives a sacrament, it is the same Church, in continuity with the apostles, administering God’s grace today as it did in the first century.

This continuity also preserves doctrinal integrity. Because bishops and priests derive their authority from the apostles, they are charged with maintaining and teaching the faith exactly as it was handed down. Doctrines and practices do not depend on personal opinions or modern trends; they are grounded in the teaching of Christ and the apostles. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that apostolic succession safeguards the truth of the faith, allowing the Church to interpret Scripture and Tradition faithfully.

Historically, the Church has carefully recorded and verified apostolic succession. Bishops can trace their ordination lineage back through previous bishops, ultimately connecting to the apostles themselves. This continuity is one reason why the Catholic Church has preserved its teachings and sacraments for more than two thousand years, despite persecution, cultural changes, and historical challenges.

Some critics argue that authority should rest only on Scripture or personal belief, but the Bible itself shows the need for guided interpretation and leadership. Without apostolic succession, disputes over doctrine, ordination, and sacramental practice could fragment the Church. By maintaining an unbroken line of authority, the Catholic Church ensures unity, faithfulness, and adherence to Christ’s teaching.

Apostolic succession is also pastoral. It is not merely institutional or bureaucratic; it is meant to serve the faithful. Bishops, priests, and deacons act as shepherds, teaching, guiding, and administering the sacraments to help believers grow closer to God. Through this succession, the mission of the apostles continues in the world today, ensuring that the Church remains a living, teaching, and sacramental community.

In conclusion, apostolic succession is the unbroken chain of authority from Christ to the apostles and from the apostles to the bishops and priests of the Church today. It preserves the Church’s teaching authority, sacramental integrity, and unity across generations. By understanding apostolic succession, Catholics and those curious about the faith can appreciate how the Church remains rooted in Christ’s mission, faithfully teaching, guiding, and sanctifying the faithful just as the apostles did nearly two thousand years ago. Apostolic succession is not just a historical fact; it is a living reality that connects every Catholic today to the apostles and to Christ Himself.