The question is not what did men think..the question is what does God think..
In 2 Cor. 2:17, Paul says the elders are not just random peddlers of God's word. They are actually commissioned by God. It is not self-appointed authority.
2Cr 2:17 — For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ
This is dealing with false teachers. It has nothing to do with apostolic succession..
. Shortly after this, in 2 Cor. 3:6, Paul says that certain men have been qualified by God to be ministers of a New Covenant.
The fact that this is being taught by Paul, who was not selected by men does not help the apostolic succession claim..
This refers to the ministerial priesthood of Christ handed down the ages through sacramental ordination. In 2 Peter 2:10, Peter warns the faithful about despising authority. He is referring to the apostolic authority granted to them
2Pe 2:10 — But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Once again this is about false teachers not apostleship or apostolic succession, the papacy or the priesthood.. none of which are taught in the New Testament.All of these doctrines, are man made, with no infallible biblical support
All of it is in the NT as witnessed by those who were with Jesus Christ in His lifetime. Matthew 16:16-19.
Sirach 7:29-30 - with all your soul fear the Lord and honor His priests, love your Maker and do not forsake His ministers. God is not threatened by the authority He gives His children! God, as our Loving Father, invites us to participate in His plan of salvation with His Son Jesus. Without authority in the Church, there is error, chaos and confusion. That is what we see today ... x thousands of churches, all claiming to be christian, but which can't agree on scriptural interpretation. Our Lord did not leave us to our own whims. He left behind a hierarchical church, guided by the Holy Spirit. In its 2000 year history, not one pope, regardless of how bad he was, has ever erred in church teaching on matters of faith or morals.