Sukzession und Tradition in Antike und Urchristentum

Abstract

Succession und trad itio n in Antiquity and Early ChristianityThis article focusses on the concepts which today are known as ‘succession’ and ‘apostolic tradition’. It investigates the meaning and reference of these concepts within the context of textual evidences from Antiquity and Early Christianity. From this historical perpective, the article aims at arguing that both concepts should primarily be understood within a judicial and political realm and not merely as theological ideas.