With the Pope once again in the global spotlight, questions about his authority—and the authority of the church he leads—are drawing renewed attention.

Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim an unbroken line of leadership stretching back to the apostles. According to this view, today’s bishops—and ultimately the Pope—stand in direct succession to the apostle Peter.

But how strong is this claim?

In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines whether there is credible historical evidence for an unbroken chain of authority—and whether such a lineage, even if proven, would establish theological authority.

Dr. Bernard discusses:

The origins and development of apostolic succession claims
The biblical role of Peter in the early church
The difference between historical continuity and doctrinal authority
Why apostolic teaching—not just succession—is essential to the identity of the church

This timely episode brings clarity to a complex and often misunderstood topic, helping listeners evaluate competing claims through the lens of Scripture.

If you’ve ever wondered how to assess claims of church authority—or what truly defines the New Testament church—this episode offers thoughtful, balanced, and biblical insight.

Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard’s full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.

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Is the Pope Really the Successor to Peter?