Term

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority through the episcopate from the apostles commissioned by Christ.

Filed underHistorical TheologyEcclesiology

Definition

The concept of uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority in the ministry through the episcopate from the apostles who were commissioned by Christ.

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Sources

  1. 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 49Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 49.

Last revised August 14, 2026