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If one's spiritual understanding is that the Holy Spirit moves from one Christian to the next by the physical act of laying on of the hands, then he would surely be concerned about Apostolic succession.....................However, if one's spiritual understanding is that the Holy Spirit moves according to His own will, then the only succession that matters is from God directly to a man.

Genealogy is important in regards to Christ's history. I recall usually skipping over the begats etc. until one day I realized how significant these are in the genealogy of our Lord...and that of Joseph and Mary as His earthly parents. The Lord surely reveals to us that which He determines in His time....and as we grow in Him. Learning and diving deeper into His genealogy was thereafter both interesting and enlightening. Even so I do not see the Apostolic succession...rather that it is as the Holy Spirit determines, just as you stated.......... I actually am convinced that Paul, not Matthias, was chosen by God to replace Judas. This also I looked at very carefully. But the important part is Paul was selected by the Lord Himself....and what a story that was and remains to this day!............ Even with all the differences among Protestants, catholics and other denominations....I do believe their are true believers among them all. The questions remain why when the scriptures are so clear do people hold so strongly to that which scripture does not support, and in fact opposes what the scriptures say?

Thank you so very much for sharing your insights, dear brother/sister in Christ!

Truly, I should have clarified that I was speaking of Spiritual genealogy.

I actually am convinced that Paul, not Matthias, was chosen by God to replace Judas. This also I looked at very carefully. But the important part is Paul was selected by the Lord Himself....and what a story that was and remains to this day!..

I very strongly agree.

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. – Galatians 1:11-19

God's Name is I AM.