The Bible contains sufficient enough indication of apostolic succession (though probably not “explicit” enough by unbiblical sola Scriptura standards to convince most Protestants: what else is new?).
St. Paul appears to be passing his office along to Timothy (1 Tim 6:20; 2 Tim 1:6, 13-14, 2:1-2, 4:1-6). See, for example:
2 Timothy 2:1-2
There are many indirect indications. When Jesus gives His disciples charge to do certain things, it is seen, by and large, by Protestants, as commands to their successors as well (perhaps not always apostolic succession per se, but at least succession as believers in Christ). So, for example, when Jesus tells His disciples to preach the gospel or to baptize, virtually all Christians today think that this applies to all Christians in perpetuity. Yet when Jesus tells the same disciples to “bind and loose” (Matt 18:18; John 20:23; also to St. Peter individually in Matt 16:19), somehow that is not seen as a thing that is perpetually relevant through history, and is relegated to their time only.
This makes no sense. For one to take such a position, they have to establish a solid reason why they regard one instance as perpetual and the other as temporary. I contend that it can’t be done; that any such criterion would be completely arbitrary. Often, sadly, it comes down to merely a contra-Catholic mentality and rationale: “Catholics believe thus-and-so, and so we must oppose it, no matter what the Bible may state on the subject.”
The “send” motif in Scripture is right to the point:
Luke 9:1-2
John 17:18
John 20:21
Luke 10:1-3
The latter passages appears to imply that there are many others involved besides just the 70 (which is already an expansion upon the original twelve). This implies succession and perpetuity.
Acts 1:8
This is interesting in its implications. Who was Jesus talking to here? The earlier part of the chapter refers to “the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God” (1:2-3). He then encourages them to wait to receive the power of the Holy Spirit (1:4-5, 8). It’s unclear how many people saw Jesus ascend to heaven (1:9-11).
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The text then talks about the early Christians fellowshipping together; including “women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (1:12-14). In the next verse the “brethren” are said to be “about a hundred and twenty” (1:15). Later in the chapter we see explicit proof of apostolic succession (as discussed in my linked paper above): Judas was replaced by Matthias (1:17-26), and an OT passage is cited: “His office let another take” (1:20).
But getting back to the “send” motif: Jesus “sends” His disciples and they in turn “send” others by means of the established practice of ordaining and calling men to ministry through the Church (by the laying on of hands). So, for example:
Acts 13:1-4
Acts 15:22, 25
Romans 10:15
1 Timothy 4:14-16
1 Timothy 5:22
2 Timothy 1:6
Disciples and their successors (priests and bishops) are direct representatives of Jesus:
Matthew 10:40
Luke 10:16
John 13:20
2 Corinthians 5:20
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Spiritual Fathers have care for our souls!
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Jn 21:17 feed my sheep:
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they care for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Tim 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you
1 John 2
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
That makes Peter, Paul and John spiritual fathers, pastors of our souls!
Is 22 the administrator of the kingdom is called father, so the same for Peter, the apostles, and their successors!
