Methodological note. The apostolic office will be considered here not only in its origin but also in regard to its permanent presence in the course of the Church’s development. The historical consideration must proceed from an attempt to: understand the original nature of the apostolic office, and must take into account the intentions of Jesus in instituting the office, as well as the significance which it has: for: the constitution of the Church. One can trace with some certainty the constitutiv…