Line of Priestly Succession

Synopsis     Nehemiah 11:30-12:24     8/13/2020 

During his time in Jerusalem, Nehemiah carefully reported the Levites and the priests. Specifically, he gave special attention to documenting the lineage of each of these men. And, he carefully cited the reference documents he used to validate the various lines. 

Line of Succession 

For the priests and Levites, succession and lineage were important. In fact, the laws governing ritual sacrifices under the Law of Moses required that priests come exclusively from the line of Aaron.  

Similarly, the attendants of the Temple came exclusively from descendants of the tribe of Levi. So, the Israelites carefully documented the lineage of those who served.   

Laying on of Hands 

It is a tenant of the Catholic church that ministers of the sacrifice are the recipients of this office through the laying on of hands. From the hands of Christ, through the hands of St. Peter and downward we trace a legacy of impartation of the Holy Spirit.  

And this comes down to us through baptism, confirmation and for those specially called, ordination. In every case, we enjoy the benefit of this impartation of the Holy Spirit as an unbroken chain of blessing.  

“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands of the presbyterate.” 1Tim 4:14