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__NOTOC__{{Infobox_Contents |topic_name =Apostolic Succession |subtopics =Synopsis=... |opinion_pieces ={{short_opinions}} |}}

The Apostolic succession is the doctrine of Apostolic Succession maintains (or teaching) that the today's [[church]] today is (or those in church leadership are) the spiritual successor to the original body followers of believers in [[Jesus Christ]] composed of - the [[Apostles]]. Different Christian [[denominations]] interpret this [[The doctrine]] of ''Apostolic Succession'' has different meanings to different Christians in different waysdenominations. Specifically in the case of the In episcopal churches, such as [[Roman Catholic ChurchCatholicism]], the Apostolic Succession as passed on through the [[Apostle PeterAnglican Communion]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] , the teaching is also that the basis for the specific claim of bishops who lead the church have received their authority through an unbroken line of bishops through the [[pope]]. Within centuries from the [[Anglican Communion]] this is seen more as a symbolic precedenceapostles, not unlike and so are the [[Eastern Orthodox]] Patriarch rightful leaders of Constantinople. In any event, all these communions recognize the doctrine of Apostolic Successionchurch.

==Contents=Views===

The doctrine Roman Catholic Church further teaches that the Pope, who is the bishop of Apostolic Succession maintains that Rome, has primary authority among the bishops. The Church interprets [[churchMatthew 16]] today is the spiritual successor in a particular way to support this doctrine. In Matthew 16, Jesus gives the original body of believers in [[Christapostle Peter]] composed of the keys to [[ApostlesKingdom of Heaven]]. Different Christian [[denominations]] interpret Tradition holds that Peter traveled to Rome and was the first bishop of Rome, and so today's Pope holds those same keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. There are many alternative views regarding this [[doctrine]] in different wayspassage. Specifically One of the common opposing views is that Jesus gave Peter the keys in the case sense that Peter would be the apostle who as-it-were unlocked the door of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], Kingdom of Heaven to non-Jews (Gentiles). This view holds that the Apostolic Succession as passed on through words of Jesus were fulfilled in Peter in the book of Acts. In [[Apostle PeterActs 1:8]] Jesus reveals that his disciples will be his witnesses to Judea (that is also , the basis for Jews), Samaria (that is, the specific claim of Samaritans) and to the authority ends of the [[pope]]earth (that is, Gentiles, or non-Jews). Within In Acts, we see Peter being present when the Holy Spirit comes to the Jews at Pentecost (in Acts 2), to the Samaritans (in Acts 8) and to [[Anglican CommunionCornelius]] this is seen more as a symbolic precedence, not unlike and the [[Eastern OrthodoxGentile]] Patriarch of Constantinople. In any event, all these communions recognize the doctrine of Apostolic Successions (in Acts 10).

Roman Catholic and Orthodox theology additionally hold that the authority to administer the [[sacrament]]s (such as [[Holy Communion]]) is passed on only through this unbroken line of apostolic succession. These churches understand the sacraments are a means by which grace is received by the believer. This concept of the sacraments being conveyors of grace is not held by Protestant denominations, who instead see the sacraments as outward signs of an internal truth. ===Views=Common Protestant views==== Most Protestant churches (other than the Lutheran and Anglican churches) do not generally hold to the concept of an unbroken historic line of apostolic succession. These churches mostly teach that their leaders have positions of leadership only because they are called by God, and recognized by their congregation to lead. Most Protestant churches also do not teach traditional Catholic or Orthodox views about the sacraments. ==Quotes==