Bibliography for Pope Studies

A bibliography of key texts and studies related to the Early Church Fathers and the concept of apostolic succession:

Primary Sources:

• Clement of Rome. First Epistle of Clement. This late 1st-century letter emphasizes the apostles’ appointment of bishops and deacons to ensure orderly succession within the Church. 
• Ignatius of Antioch. Epistles. Written in the early 2nd century, these letters underscore the authority of bishops and the importance of maintaining unity through apostolic succession. 
• Irenaeus of Lyons. Against Heresies. Composed around AD 180, this work introduces the idea of bishops’ succession as a guarantee of doctrinal truth, tracing their lineage back to the apostles. 

Secondary Sources:

• Kelly, J.N.D. Early Christian Doctrines. A comprehensive analysis of the development of Christian theology, including discussions on apostolic succession. 
• González, Justo L. Essential Theological Terms. This work provides definitions and explanations of key theological concepts, including those related to apostolic succession. 
• Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. An extensive resource covering various theological topics, offering insights into apostolic succession among other subjects. 
• Ramsey, Arthur Michael. From Gore to Temple. This study explores the evolution of Anglican theology, touching upon concepts like apostolic succession. 
• Jay, Eric G. The Church. An examination of ecclesiology, including the role and significance of apostolic succession in church governance. 
• Woollcombe, K.J. “The Ministry and the Order of the Church in the Works of the Fathers.” In The Historic Episcopate, edited by Kenneth M. Carey. This essay delves into the early Church Fathers’ perspectives on church ministry and apostolic succession. 
• Puglisi, James F. The Process of Admission to Ordained Ministry. A study on the historical procedures and theological underpinnings of ordination, including discussions on apostolic succession. 

These works provide foundational texts and scholarly analyses that explore the development and significance of apostolic succession in early Christianity.