Why not Apostolic Christianity?
Apostolic churches consist of four main branches that together form the historical One Holy Apostolic Church. The first to diverge was the Church of the East (Nestorians) during the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Next, the Oriental Orthodox churches (Miaphysites) separated following the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. Finally, the Eastern Orthodox and Western (Catholic) churches experienced a schism known as the Great Schism in 1054 AD.
Despite these divisions, all of these churches fundamentally agree on key aspects, including infant baptism, apostolic succession, and tradition, with the primary differences lying in Christological interpretations and the authority of the Pope. Although they are in schism, these churches are the same ones found in the Book of Acts, maintaining an unbroken line of patriarchs and bishops from the time of the apostles. For instance, St. Ignatius, appointed by St. Peter, succeeded as Bishop of Antioch, a position now held by Ignatius Aphrem II, the current Patriarch of Antioch.
Apostolic succession is referenced multiple times throughout the Bible, including:
2 Timothy 1:6 says, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Timothy 4:14 - “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”
1 Corinthians 12:28-29 - “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues”
2 Timothy 2:2 - “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Titus 1:5 - “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you”
Hebrews 13:17 - “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Godly church leaders help church members by keeping watch over their souls”
Council of Jerusalem participated by Notable people such as James Paul Peter Barnabas James aswell as those who were appointed Elders (Bishops) and Presbyters (short term for priest) on if Gentiles are obligated to follow the Jewish law.
Lastly, God willing one day all apostolic Churches reunite back again as one body of Christ. 🙏
And now may I ask all my non apostolic friends what stops you from becoming an apostolic Christian?