daniel1212:
I am well aware of their views on marriage, both had a high view of embracing celibacy for the kingdom of God, apparently embracing Christ elevation of embracing celibacy for the “Kingdom of God” [that is the orthodox reason] stated in Matthew 19:10-12 very strongly. Of course, while both of these orthodox Church fathers had a strong view of Celibacy, the Church did not pit celibacy for the kingdom of God against Marriage, in fact, Marriage is taught has a core Doctrine of the Church as being among the 7 Sacraments, celibacy a Church discipline. So what is your point, both men did have a high view of embracing celibacy, there views of marriage being a consequence of original sin perhaps are be taken that at times even in marriage, a man rather than loves his wife, still falls into lust. Nevertheless, the Church guided by the Holy Spirit handled the question of celibacy and marriage in a way that is orthodox and not in contradiction to the Scriptures or Sacred Tradition.
And again, back to the Apostolic succession notion, nowhere in Scripture does it teach against it, although there is transitional evidence of that development in the Pauline Pastoral epistles, So you can say the NT does not teach Apostolic succession, I can just as easily retort it does not teach against it. However, I can find numerous Church Fathers, ones that new the Apostles that attest to it, which does suggest it was the development of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that was willed by Christ as the Holy Spirit guided that development.
That the basis for your assurance of Truth is the premise of the assured veracity of Rome, thus all much be made to conform to her.
again, back to the Apostolic succession notion, nowhere in Scripture does it teach against it, although there is transitional evidence of that development in the Pauline Pastoral epistles, So you can say the NT does not teach Apostolic succession, I can just as easily retort it does not teach against it.
As if the Holy Spirit did not see it as important to record, even after James was slain. Your argument from silence is not a basis for doctrine, while the Spirit clearly instructs elders to be ordained as overseers of the church, the requirements for such, charges them as the overseers of the church, to carry on the work of the foundational apostles. (1Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-7; Acts 20:28; Eph. 2:20)
Meanwhile, the basis and credentials for apostolic authenticity (Acts 1:2,22; 1Cor. 9:2; Gal. 1:12-18; 2Cor. 6:1-10; 2Cor. 12:12) excludes Rome's (among others) claimed successors from being apostles. Even distinctively titling NT pastors as "priests" is also not seen in Scripture, but was also a latter addition.