The Catholic Church is the traditions of the Apostles. The Apostles said to "hold the traditions" learned "by word", or by "epistle" (2 Thess. 2:14) - by what is written & by what is heard through spoken word. Clearly, this means Apostolic tradition is more than just what is written.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle. - 2 Thessalonians 2:14
Also, not everyone could read in Biblical times. According to Luther, were all the ancient Christians supposed to read their own Bibles? Bibles were hand written & expensive until the invention of the printing press: there weren't enough of them to go around for everyone to read, even if they could. Independent reading of the Bible was impossible for most people throughout the majority of Christian history.
The only church that goes directly back to the Apostles is the Catholic Church. The traditions of the Apostles were passed down onto their successors, which are the priests, bishops & saints of the Catholic Church. That's why the Apostles heard confessions, performed exorcisms, gave blessings, gave sermons, etc. That's also why rules for a priesthood were established in the New Testament. There were also councils to establish doctrine & to settle theological disputes.
To suggest as if the traditions of the Catholic Church (which are historically proven to be the traditions of the Apostles) are as the "traditions of men" rebuked in Mark 7:7-8 is to belittle the Apostles themselves, while simultaneously misunderstanding the whole context of Mark 7, which clearly is rebuking Jews which strayed from the traditions and teachings of the Old Law.
Everyone who was considered Christian was considered Catholic for 1,500 years until the Protestant revolution occurred. Just because a sect (Protestantism) was invented 500 years ago claiming to be "Christian", it doesn't mean they are actually Christians or that they hold the true, ancient & Biblical faith. There was no "underground church" that adhered to Protestant belief or anything similar during the ancient church. There was and always will be the traditional Catholic Church, which is the Church Christ established in 33 A.D. All other churches are founded by man. Catholics are the only true Christians.
And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican. - Matthew 18:17
Protestantism is not true Christianity: all their churches & "denominations" were founded by & named after man. Each of the "denominations" (including "non-denominational" so-called "churches") are simply false religions. Protestantism splits & frays into sub groups that disagree on doctrine, juristiction & basics of faith, because they are not the one true faith (Ephesians 4:5).
And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican. - Matthew 18:17
What You Don't Know About Martin Luther
https://youtu.be/kd66KXIbAjc
Protestantism & "Denominations"
https://youtu.be/xL2Hyve-kwg
Credit to Most Holy Family Monastery
https://mostholyfamilymonastery.com
https://youtube.com/mhfm1
https://Endtimes.video
