Apostolic Succession: Framing the Options (Protestant View)

Whether we accept apostolic succession depends in part upon our view of the origins of the monarchical episcopal structure of church government. Here I offer four options for how we can interpret the development of the episcopate in the early church.
Truth Unites is a mixture of apologetics and theology, with an irenic focus.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai.
Website: gavinortlund.com/
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My books:
--Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t: The Beauty of Christian Theism: www.amazon.com/Makes-Sense-Wo...
--Retrieving Augustine’s Doctrine of Creation: Ancient Wisdom for Current Controversy: www.amazon.com/Retrieving-Aug...
--Anselm’s Pursuit of Joy: A Commentary on the Proslogion: www.amazon.com/Anselms-Pursui...
--Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage: www.amazon.com/Finding-Right-...
--Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals: Why We Need Our Past to Have a Future: www.amazon.com/Theological-Re...

[@mattc9764]

Gavin, I'm a former Reformed Presbyterian, now Catholic. But I subscribe to your channel out of a genuine respect for you, your viewpoints, your charity, and your unquestionable love for our Saviour. Pax Christi.

[@GospelSimplicity]

I find this format so helpful. Understanding the options that are on the table make sorting through arguments much easier. I also appreciate the discussion about the distinction between historical nuance and higher criticism. Keep up the good work!

[@ike991963]

Thank you for this video. You cast the 4 views well and I agree with your evaluation of those views. Since today-s age is moire democratic in the west, does it follow that churches in the west should "revert" to the pattern of the NT and first centurzy?

[@paullaymon5746]

Powerful, Powerful, Powerful!!!

[@cristian_5305]

Option three was Calvin’s conclusion and likewise mine

[@elchinito4247]

#3 for the win!

[@lazaruscomeforth7646]

Well summarized!

[@Steve7318]

As an Independent catholic Bishop who was consecrated in the historic episcopate I found this to be a balanced and interesting discussion. Although I am not part of Rome, my lineage ultimately comes from Rome as part of the Bishop's list that you mention. What the Apostolic lineage and succession provides is a continuity and a passing down of authority although the actual ministry that an Independent catholic or Anglican Bishop wouldn't necessarily fall into the "Monarchical" system of church government since our communities are small, our ministry roles may be more of a Missionary Bishop or what you call a Senior Pastor. What makes a Bishop different is that he has the authority to ordain regardless of what functional role he is performing. So not all of us are Diocesan Bishops in the large scale of things but some of us are serving in smaller, local communties that are similar to Protestant congregations. I was a Missionary Bishop in Asia prior to coming back. This is a good topic.

[@ronwiley2688]

This will make a great short book, sign me up.

[@octaviosalcedo9239]

Gavin great job. Nobody can claim you are not fair and take an honest approach to getting to the truth. I am so thankful for your videos. And so appreciate the amount of work you put it to this videos. May God bless you highly.

[@wayneharsha4920]

Great information. Love your style.

[@tjflash60]

Thank you for the presentation.

[@cristian_5305]

I am ineffably excited for the baptism dialogues with Dr. Cooper! especially because baptism has been the final issue holding me from wholly affirming the Lutheran expression of faith!

[@matthewmeyer3483]

Great and helpful way to breakdown the issue👍🏼

[@natecesky]

Helpful discussion, thank you!

[@vladislavbabenko2082]

As an Orthodox I accept episcopal ecclesiastical polity. Nevertheless, I can't deny that the Holy Spirit can operate the way He wants it, but not the way our bishops want it. 'The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit' John 3:8

[@jgiaq]

Hey Dr Ortlund, I love this discussion, was introduced to the concept thru Irenaeus. Thanks for all you do! I have a suggestion: my first kid was born three weeks ago (yay!) I would love to hear your thoughts (or maybe an interview) on Christian parenting. Specifically, family Bible studies, teaching theology to your children, etc. Just a suggestion! Always get excited when a new Truth Unites video is released!

[@BaeGeeN258]

This was great! I was so excited for you to do this video. Thanks for summarizing all of those arguments about the development of episcopacy. I especially appreciate your comments about Ignatius' use of the term "Bishop."

[@jg7923]

I feel stuck in the middle of all the different Trinitarian Christian Groups : Protestantism / Baptist / Nondenominational / Calvary Chapel, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy etc. It's weird.

[@troysmalley7886]

Thanks for this. In my experience this is merely a concrete case of a broader concern, namely the indefectability of the Church. I would be interested in hearing your views on different models of indefectability, and how to argue for some early diversity (neo-Bauer thesis?). The New Testament does itself seem to describe the Early Church as a mixed bag requiring correction even on issues such as the resurrection!