Acts 20:32
Acts 20:3232And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.
— Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders — is not a featured Watchtower proof-text, and the reason is instructive. The verse is where the succession question gets answered in the wrong direction for the governing-body claim. Paul is leaving, he knows he is leaving, he will not see the Ephesian elders again — and this is the moment he commits them to… what?
Read Paul's words at his most pastoral: "And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones" (NWT). Two things, not one. Not "I commit you to a standing council in Jerusalem." Not "send envoys each year for fresh decrees." Not "the apostolic succession will continue." Paul commits the elders to God and to the word — the apostolic gospel the elders have already received. When Paul knows he will not be back, his confidence is in the Scriptures they hold, not in a perpetual office that will govern them. Pair this with (the apostles as foundation — laid once) and (the gospel declared by the Lord, attested by the apostles). The chain is: prophets, Son, apostles, apostolic writings. There is no fifth stage called "successor governing body." The foundation is laid; the church stands on it.