[xzins]

In the article above, see underlined point #1.

Excellent post, btw, B-D.

As Alamo-girl has vigorously and biblically demonstrated, it is the spiritual succession only that makes sense. Your post is definitely an illustration of why she is so right.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you oh so very much for your encouragements! And thank you, blue-duncan, for that informative summary!

[lawdave]

As Alamo-girl has vigorously and biblically demonstrated, it is the spiritual succession only that makes sense. Your post is definitely an illustration of why she is so right. Jesus conferred specific powers on the Apostles, like the power to forgive sins.Why would he do that if he did not intend for them to exercise those powers and to pass the power on.

Also, In John 14:26, Jesus said, "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name - he will teach you everything and remind you of all I have told you."

The Bible does not record what the Advocate taught the Apostles. You need Apostolic Succession in order to have that knowledge passed on. We Catholics call it Sacred Tradition.