Page "Apostolic succession" Paragraph 11

Writing about AD 94, Clement of Rome states that the apostles appointed successors to continue their work where they had planted churches and for these in their turn to do the same because they foresaw the risk of discord.

He uses both ' bishop ' and ' presbyter ' to refer to these men.

The interpretation of his writing is disputed, but it is clear that he supports some sort of approved continuation of the apostolic ministry which in its turn was derived from Christ.