Replies

Yes, we make the distinction as well. Those who came after the Apostles are not apostles. But they do inherit the authority of the office. Not a limited (how?) authority of a "bishop" as opposed to apostolic authority, but the full authority given by Jesus to His Twelve.

They, obviously, did not inherit the foundational ministry of the Apostles, since JESUS and the Apostles completed that particular ministry and all other valid ministry is built upon that already established foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

EPHESIANS 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.
(Didn't these very bishops hundreds of years later establish the canon?)

Yes ... as directed by God, bishops established the collection of pre-existing Apostolic writings.

They wrote nothing (canonically) new, nor taught anything which was not contained within these Apostolic writings which God established through their service.

Re 48811

I don't see how you can distinguish between a lyric and a formal prayer during worship services. I must say that I have "a thing" about extempraneous prayers, since they often seem to be more directed AT other people than God.

Robby, I think that many modern Catholics, and certainly most NCs do nto know that the entire "worship service" we have is designed to be sung.

That we typically speak most of it does not change the nature of the Mass from that of a sung prayer.

They, obviously, did not inherit the foundational ministry of the Apostles, since JESUS and the Apostles completed that particular ministry and all other valid ministry is built upon that already established foundation.

You keep saying this. And to some extent I agree. But why do you think no authority is required?

(Didn't these very bishops hundreds of years later establish the canon?)

Yes ... as directed by God, bishops established the collection of pre-existing Apostolic writings.

Duh. Of course the writings were pre-existing.

You dismiss as "directed by God" the fact that these bishops, whose authority you defy, are the very ones whom God used to give you the Bible you use as a substitute.

Didn't the Apostles act as "directed by God"? Why do you say that about the later bishops as if it is a proof against their authority to do what they did? It's nonsensical.