What are some basic things that could be pointed out to refute the "apostolic succession" concept that the RCC and EOC hold to? They hold to being "the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic established by Jesus Christ and his Apostles almost 2,000 years ago, respectively. In other words, the Faith and practices of the Church have continued to this day virtually unchanged since apostolic times." From what I have encountered, the reason they say this is because of apostolic succession, and then they talk about the Church coming first, and then the Bible came from the Church, and mention the sacraments and liturgy, and so on. What do you guys have to say?
Verses used to justify their positions:
2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - To show that the Church was a visible thing that could be pointed to on earth since it will always be around on earth.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." - They use this to show that not everything for the church is found in the bible, that there are some things which were passed down orally and that can only be found in the church (RCC or EOC, whoever is making the claim).
Also, the Early Church Fathers, don't know how many of them, are said to have held to Apostolic Succession.
Verses used to justify their positions:
2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - To show that the Church was a visible thing that could be pointed to on earth since it will always be around on earth.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." - They use this to show that not everything for the church is found in the bible, that there are some things which were passed down orally and that can only be found in the church (RCC or EOC, whoever is making the claim).
Also, the Early Church Fathers, don't know how many of them, are said to have held to Apostolic Succession.