Search Results

The Question of Apostolic Succession

Christ did not give a direct answer to this question, but asked: “Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me?”

The first messenger came with the news “All is well.” To the king’s eager question, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” the messenger gave an evasive answer.

When questioned why He did not join in the amusements of the young people of Nazareth, He said, It is written, “I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” Psalm 119:16 .

As the guests commented about the wine, some asked questions that drew from the servants an account of the miracle. When finally the assembled guests looked for Jesus, He had quietly slipped away.

Jesus now asked a second question, relating to the disciples themselves: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

So the question, “Who is my neighbor?” is forever answered. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help, every soul wounded and bruised by the enemy, everyone who is the property of God.

Baffled and disappointed, scribes, priests, and rulers all stood scowling, not daring to press further questions on Christ. The people stood by, amused to see these proud, self-righteous men defeated.

The scribe who had questioned Jesus was astonished. In the presence of the assembled priests and rulers he honestly acknowledged that Christ had given the right interpretation to the law.

Many people are asking this question. Crowds of people on the Day of Pentecost saw how sinful they were. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “What shall we do?” Acts 2:37 .