Apostolic Succession has been the docrine of the Church from the first century. The Traditions of the Church are the enacted consensus of the Apostles, Disciples and the Early Church Christians and Fathers. Doctrines are never "settled" until they are seriously challenged.
Consider that in 97 AD serious dissensions arose within the Church of Corinth and although the Apostle St. John was still living in Ephesus they appealed to the Roman Bishop, St. Clement, who wrote an authoritative letter to restore peace. St. John did not interfere with St. Clement or with Corinth.
Further, before 117 AD, St. Ignatius of Antioch addressed the Roman Church as the one which "presides over charity . . . which has never deceived anyone, which has taught others."
Additionally, St. Irenaeus in about 190 AD wrote the theory and practice of doctrinal unity as follows:
"With this Church [of Rome] because of its more powerful principality, every Church must agree, that is the faithful everywhere, in this [i. e. in communion with the Roman Church] the tradition of the Apostles has ever been preserved by those on every side." (Adv. Haereses, III)
Peace be with you
I appreciate the information, and I respect these men.
However, if you have any scripture it would be very much appreciated. (I’m not trying to be argumentative; I’m just trying to see the mindframe of the Apostles.)
“Consider that in 97 AD serious dissensions arose within the Church of Corinth and although the Apostle St. John was still living in Ephesus they appealed to the Roman Bishop, St. Clement, who wrote an authoritative letter to restore peace.”
Also notice that when theological disputes arose in New Testament times, no one went to Peter for the final answer. When Paul defended his Apostleship, he never once said, “Peter agrees”. In fact, when Peter and Paul disagreed, Paul rebuked Peter in public...
In his letters, Paul often cites scripture, but he never says, “Peter says...”
Name the current twelve ...