Apostolic Tradition

 

Apostolic Tradition, as taught by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is the living transmission of the Gospel, handed down from the apostles to their successors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is distinct from Sacred Scripture but closely connected to it, forming a vital part of how the faith is preserved and passed on.

The apostles, following Christ’s command, spread the Gospel through both oral preaching and written texts. What they taught was not merely their own ideas but the message they received directly from Christ—His words, deeds, and the revelations given to them by the Holy Spirit. To ensure this message remained intact, they appointed bishops as their successors, entrusting them with the responsibility of preserving and faithfully teaching the Gospel. This apostolic succession continues to this day, maintaining the Church’s doctrinal integrity.

Unlike Scripture, which is a fixed written record, Tradition is dynamic and living. It is carried forward through the Church’s teaching, worship, and practice. The writings of the Church Fathers bear witness to how this Tradition has been lived out and understood across generations. Through this ongoing transmission, the Church ensures that her beliefs, teachings, and sacraments remain rooted in the apostolic faith.

Ultimately, Apostolic Tradition guarantees that the Word of God is not confined to the pages of Scripture but is continually proclaimed and lived within the Church. It is through this Tradition, guided by the Holy Spirit, that the Church remains faithful to Christ’s original teaching and mission. Read the Catechism here.