apostolic

Etymology

From Latin apostolicus (“apostolic”), from Ancient Greek ἀποστολικός (apostolikós, “apostolic”) (compare French apostolique).

adj

1. (religion, Christianity) Pertaining to apostles or their practice of teaching; pertaining to the apostles (of early Christianity) or their teachings.
   an apostolic mission
   Amply shall I deem myself remunerated if either by the holy Charm, the good Spell of Leighton's Words, than which few if any since the Apostolic age better deserve the name of Evangelical, or by my own notes and interpolations, the reflecting Reader should be enabled to apprehend—for we may rightly apprehend what no finite mind can fully comprehend—and attach a distinct meaning to, the Mysteries into which his Baptism is the initiation; and thus to feel and know, that Christian Faith is the perfection of Human Reason. 1825, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Reflections respecting Morality”, in Aids to Reflection, page 58
   Chapter 3 demonstrated that high churchmen perceived the Church of England to be a visible society and a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, though they particularly emphasized the apostolicity of the church. 1993, Robert D. Cornwall, Visible and Apostolic: The Constitution of the Church in High Church Anglican and Non-Juror Thought, University of Delaware Press, Associated University Presses, page 74
   That was the story of The Salvation Army repeated in many places, at least partly because a small group of people touched the power of the apostolic anointing.[…]In this true story about William Booth, we have an example of what is meant to happen under apostolic grace. 2002, John Kingsley Alley, The Apostolic Revelation: The Reformation of the Church, Peace Publishing, page 153
   I would like to give this dissertation on the apostolic world of thought in early Christian iconography the subtitle of 'In the land of the blessed' —'Μακάρων ἐνἱ χώρῳ'. 2004, Arnold Provoost, “The Apostolic Way of Thought in Early Christian Iconography”, in A. Hilhorst, editor, The Apostolic Age in Patristic Thought, BRILL, page 158
   2008, Jonas Clark, Advanced Apostolic Studies, Spirit of Life Publishing, page 60, Apostolic churches break out of the four walls of the sanctuary onto the streets and into the homes to preach the Gospel.
2. According to the doctrines of the apostles; delivered or taught by the apostles.
   apostolic faith or practice
3. Of or pertaining to the pope or the papacy; papal.
4. Of or pertaining to the Catholic missions.