Replies

Paul warned explicitly that the next generation after the apostles would be one in which dangerous doctrines emerged even from within the Church. Grievous wolves from outside the church and from within it, would immediately start to deceive the flock: They shall “enter in among you, … Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).

Oh, goody -- the same "general apostasy" argument made by the Mormons and JWs.

Paul warns explicitly that we must not trust “those who succeeded the Apostles, who took over for them in governing the churches of the first century, and the second, and the third.”

Dead wrong. Heb 13:15 and 2 Timothy 2:2. Kauffman cherry-picks scripture like the cultist he is.

Nope, not general apostasy. Simply acknowledging that apostasy was possible, so closeness in time or association to the apostles would not be mistaken for apostolic authority. This allows for a continuity of truth while admitting the correctness of Paul’s admonition to be careful and stay true to the apostolic Gospel.

Peace,