"Tradition" or "Traditions" occur 14 times in the NT. Eight of those are Christ's statements in the Gospels.(Mat. 25:2,3,6; Mark 7:3,5,8,9,13). ALL of these are derogatory of Jewish traditions.
Paul makes five of those 14 references. Two of those are clearly derogatory. (Col. 2:8, Gal. 1:14).
That would leave three by Paul that are favorable references to "tradition". Those would be 1 Cor. 11:2, and 2 Thess. 2:15; and 3:6.
Peter brings up the rear with his one reference to traditions. 1 Peter 1:18. It is ALSO derogatory.
The RCC entire case for tradition therefore lies in Paul's three favorable references. Only one problem: Paul was obviously speaking of things that either he or the other apostles had already PERSONALLY taught. He was not referring to traditions that might develop and influence some unknown church leaders at some unknown time in the future. He was forming the Church the Body of Christ and was laying the foundation for that Body, not some future unknown group of men who would attempt to create tradition out of thin air.
So the proof lies with the RCC that present RCC tradition was FIRST taught by the apostles AND has remained PURE to this very day. Show us the proof that tradition, as first taught by the apostles, has remained PURE from the beginning of the Church and has not developed as time went on. Otherwise, not even the three favorable verses of tradition can be supported by the RCC.
Let us not forget 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and 2:1-2. And 1 Timothy 4:11 and 6:20. And there are others.
The RCC entire case for tradition therefore lies in Paul's three favorable references. Only one problem: Paul was obviously speaking of things that either he or the other apostles had already PERSONALLY taught.
Wrong. There are many more. And, if one creates an office, one ensures succession. Paul very adequately demonstrated succession throughout his epistles.