Also Acts. But it is not "to the contrary". The Holy Spirit was sent by Christ to the apostles, and they give it to us. It is a dangerous conceit that we can receive it from Christ directly as if we were apostles. Exceptionally we could, but ordinarily we get it from the Church. To presume that we have it because we feel it, or because we read the scripture a lot, etc. is prideful.
There's some Orthodox who would argue it's 'conceit' that said anyone recived it from CHRIST directly. ;p
Filioque etc.
The Apostles did not appoint the next generation of leaders, the individual churches picked their leaders based on the qualities and gifts they exhibited. There really is no direct linkage between current leaders and the Apostles.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. - Acts 10:44-48
It is a dangerous conceit that we can receive it from Christ directly as if we were apostles. Exceptionally we could, but ordinarily we get it from the Church. To presume that we have it because we feel it, or because we read the scripture a lot, etc. is prideful.
= = =
NOT AT ALL. Actually, the reverse is true.
Scripture declares it's about THOSE WHO BELIEVE etc:
Luke 11:13
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Acts 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
And here:
GOD HAS APPOINTED--not through; not by; not via; not with the political help and manipulations of a multilayered bureaucracy full of fossilized traditions and pontifications of man--but
GOD DIRECTLY APPOINTED:
1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.