The term refers to the orderly passing of a sacred charge from one generation to the next. Scripture portrays such succession not as a merely human arrangement but as a work of God, who sovereignly guards His covenant purposes through time. By showing that each generation “received in turn,” Scripture highlights both continuity and accountability in the plan of redemption.

Biblical Usage in Acts 7:45

Acts 7:45 is the lone New Testament occurrence:

“And our fathers, having received it in turn, brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David.” (Berean Standard Bible)

Stephen’s sermon rehearses Israel’s history to prove that God’s presence was never confined to a place or a people’s performance. The tabernacle was handed down successively—first from Moses to Joshua, then through the generations until David. Each “receiving in turn” bore witness to God’s unbroken faithfulness while exposing Israel’s recurring unbelief.

Old Testament Background

1. Moses to Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 31:7-8). Leadership and the tabernacle duties transfer by divine appointment, underscoring that no human leader is indispensable; the mission is.
2. Joshua to the Elders (Joshua 24:31). The inheritance of the land and covenant responsibilities continue unabated.
3. Samuel to David (1 Samuel 16:1-13) and David to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-4). Kingship and temple plans are successively entrusted.

Together these passages foreshadow the enduring kingdom promised to David’s Son (2 Samuel 7:12-16), revealing that every interim custodian serves a larger Messianic horizon.

Theological Implications

• Providence: God orchestrates leadership changes without jeopardizing His promises (Psalm 33:11).
• Covenant Continuity: The same tabernacle that crossed the Jordan testifies that the covenant never lapses between generations (Psalm 105:8-10).
• Accountability: Each generation answers for how it stewards the trust it has “received in turn” (Judges 2:10-11).
• Transferable Faith: Biblical faith is transmissible; it must be received personally yet handed on intact (Psalm 78:5-7).

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus is the perfect and final Recipient of every sacred trust. The Father “has handed all things over to the Son” (Matthew 11:27). Where previous stewards failed, He fulfills the law, inaugurates the new covenant, and bestows the Spirit so that the mission continues through the Church (John 20:21-22).

Succession in Apostolic Ministry

Paul embodies the principle when he instructs Timothy: “And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Church leaders are interim guardians who must hand on doctrinal purity and gospel zeal to reliable successors (Titus 1:5-9).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Leadership Development: Congregations should intentionally raise up future shepherds rather than rely on emergency replacements (Acts 14:23).
• Doctrinal Fidelity: Sound teaching must remain unchanged while methods adapt (2 Peter 1:12-15).
• Inter-generational Worship: Corporate gatherings that value the participation of all ages depict the unity of God’s family (Psalm 148:12-13).
• Legacy Planning: Estates, property, and ministry resources should be stewarded with the next generation’s mission in view (Proverbs 13:22).

Eschatological Perspective

The final “succession” culminates when the kingdom is handed back to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Until then, believers serve as interim custodians, proclaiming the gospel “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Related Scriptures

Psalm 145:4; Isaiah 59:21; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 20:28-32; Hebrews 3:5-6; Hebrews 11:39-40; Jude 3.

Conclusion

The single New Testament appearance of this term opens a window onto a sweeping biblical pattern: God entrusts His redemptive work to successive generations, guaranteeing its success by His unchanging character. Every believer, congregation, and leader stands in that line of stewardship, called to receive the faith, guard it, and pass it on—until the day when all trust is sight and every charge is complete.