[RegulatorCountry]

Then, why would Irenaeus have recorded that the Apostles had handed the episcopate over to Linus, of whom mention was made in Paul's epistle to Timothy?

"The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate. Of this Linus, Paul makes mention in the Epistles to Timothy.

[Colorado Cowgirl]

2Ti 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
I found your guy Linus, but no “office of the episcopate”. So you are telling us the 12 Apostles handed over the keys of the kingdom of heaven to this obscure person mentioned only once in the Bible to be the second Bishop of Rome? Really? Linus & Lucy and Charlie Brown are having a good laugh! I know I am!