Scripture, tradition, and church authority
Orthodox teaching reads Scripture within Holy Tradition, the liturgical and conciliar life of the Church. Authority is exercised through bishops and councils and received in the Church, without a single universal bishop exercising papal jurisdiction.
Historical context
All three traditions receive the biblical witness, but they differ over the authority of later tradition, councils, episcopal succession, and teaching offices.
Scripture
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — The letter describes Scripture as God-breathed and useful for teaching, correction, and training.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 — Paul urges the community to hold to the teachings handed on to it, whether spoken or written.
- Acts 15:1–29 — The Jerusalem assembly debates Gentile inclusion, hears witnesses, and sends a communal decision by letter.
Primary sources
Irenaeus writes:
Irenaeus appeals to public apostolic tradition and succession when answering claims to secret teaching.
the ecclesiastical tradition from the apostles, and the preaching of the truth, have come down to us
Passage context and translation
Irenaeus lists leaders of the Roman church in an argument against claims to secret teaching. His account is a second-century polemical witness; later churches interpret its implications differently.
Before the excerpt
In this order, and by this succession
After the excerpt
And this is most abundant proof that there is one and the same vivifying faith
Sources and further reading
Related records
- Catholic understanding of episcopal continuity
- Scripture, public reading, and the canon
- Ministry and succession in early sources
- What is Catholicism?
- Scripture and Tradition
- The Church and the Pope
- Councils and Teaching
- Scripture and Authority
- The Church
- Creeds and Confessions
- WHY APOSTOLIC TRADITION?
- Canons and Pastoral Discipline
- Church and Unity
- Donatism
- The saints, their memory, and intercession
- Holy Orders and Church Ministry
- Rome
- Scripture and Tradition