Definition

Belonging to the original gang of disciples who followed Jesus around and documented the whole thing, OR anything claiming direct authority from the pope because apparently the pope is the spiritual successor to those guys. It's the theological equivalent of a badge that says 'historically legit or divinely authorized, probably.'

Example Usage

The apostolic succession doctrine maintains that bishops derive their authority directly from the apostles through an unbroken chain.

Source: Common religious and theological terminology

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