One of the biggest differences between the Coptic  Orthodox Church and Protestant churches is their  understanding of Church authority. This difference is  centered on the doctrine of Apostolic Succession in  Orthodoxy and the rejection of it by Protestants. Below  is a clear short explanation of both views.

1. What is Apostolic Succession?

Apostolic Succession is the belief that the authority  given by Christ to the apostles has been passed down  through the laying on of hands (ordination) to bishops,  priests, and deacons.

A. Biblical Basis for Apostolic Succession

• Christ gave the apostles authority to teach, forgive sins, and shepherd the Church (John 20:21-23,  Matthew 28:19-20).
• The apostles ordained bishops to continue their work (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5).
• Paul instructed St. Timothy to pass on the ministry through ordination (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Christ promised that His Church would be guided by the Holy Spirit until the end of time (Matthew 16:18,  John 14:16).

B. How Apostolic Succession Works in the Orthodox  Church

• The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its bishops back to St. Mark the Apostle, who founded the Church in
• Every priest and bishop today was ordained by someone in an unbroken chain going back to the
• This ensures that the Church continues with the same authority, teachings, and sacraments as the  early Church.

C. Apostolic Succession and Church Authority

• Since Christ gave His authority to the apostles, the bishops (as their successors) continue to:

1. Teach the true faith (orthodox doctrine).
2. Administer the sacraments (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist).
3. Guard the Church from heresy (false teachings).

• The authority of bishops is not personal but given by Christ through Apostolic Succession.

2. Protestant Views on Church Authority

Most Protestant churches reject Apostolic Succession  and believe in a different form of church authority.  Their views can be divided into three main categories:

A. Sola Scriptura (Bible Alone) – Evangelicals &  Baptists

• Most Protestants believe that authority comes only from the Bible, not the Church or bishops.
• They reject the idea that bishops have special authority and instead believe that every believer can  interpret the Bible for themselves.
• This belief is called Sola Scriptura (“Scripture Alone”).

Problems with Sola Scriptura: 

1. The Bible itself says that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
2. Without a central authority, Protestant churches have divided into thousands of denominations  with conflicting interpretations.
3. Many early heresies (e.g., Arianism) were based on personal interpretations of Scripture.

B. Priesthood of All Believers – Lutherans &  Reformed Churches

• Some Protestants believe that every Christian is their own “priest” and can approach God directly.
• They reject the idea of a special ordained priesthood and say that pastors are just teachers, not  successors of the apostles.

Problems with This View: 

1. Christ chose 12 apostles specifically to lead His Church (Matthew 10:1).
2. The early Church always had a structured priesthood and bishops (Acts 6:6, 1 Timothy  3:1-7).
3. If everyone is their own priest, there is no clear authority or unity in doctrine.

C. Charismatic Authority – Pentecostals & Non Denominational Churches

• Some Protestants believe that God chooses leaders spontaneously through the Holy Spirit.
• Their pastors claim to have direct revelations from God, without needing ordination from a bishop.

Problems with This View: 

1. Anyone can claim to have a revelation, leading to contradictory teachings. And this already  happened in many occasions the famous examples  are Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses
2. The Bible says God is a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
3. The early Church always ordained leaders through laying on of hands (Acts 13:3).

3. Why Apostolic Succession Matters for Salvation

A. Ensures the True Teachings of Christ

• Without apostolic succession, anyone can claim to teach the truth, leading to confusion.
• Christ gave the apostles the power to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18), meaning they have authority in

B. Guarantees Valid Sacraments

• Only bishops and priests with apostolic succession can properly administer the The Holy Sacraments, as  Eucharist and Confession (John 20:23).
• In Protestant churches, there is no valid Eucharist, Confession, or Priesthood because they do not have  apostolic succession.

C. Maintains the Unity of the Church

• Apostolic succession ensures that the Church remains One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
• Protestantism has divided into thousands of groups, (47,000 denominations) proving that without a central authority, division is inevitable.

Conclusion

The Orthodox Church Has the True Apostolic Authority  due to :

• The Coptic Orthodox Church has an unbroken line of bishops from St. Mark the Apostle to today.
• The Orthodox Church has preserved the same doctrine, sacraments, and teachings since the time of
• Protestant churches, by rejecting apostolic succession, have lost the authority given by Christ to  the apostles and have fallen into division and  conflicting interpretations.