Apostolic is a term commonly used in Christian theology to describe beliefs, teachings, and authority that trace back to the apostles of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the Greek word apostolos, meaning “one who is sent,” the term emphasizes mission, teaching, and continuity within the Christian faith.
This article explains what apostolic means, where the concept comes from, and why it remains important in Christianity today.
Definition of Apostolic
Apostolic refers to anything that is:
- Directly related to the apostles of Jesus Christ
- Based on the teachings handed down by the apostles
- Connected to the continuation of the apostles’ mission and authority
In simple terms, apostolic means faithful to the original message and mission of the apostles.
The Origin of the Word Apostolic
The word comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning messenger or one who is sent. In the New Testament, apostles were chosen and commissioned by Jesus to preach the gospel, establish churches, and teach Christian doctrine.
Because of this, apostolic authority became foundational to early Christianity.
Apostolic Teaching and Doctrine
Apostolic doctrine refers to the teachings taught by the apostles and preserved in the New Testament. These teachings focus on:
- The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
- Salvation through faith
- Christian ethics and community life
- Worship, baptism, and communion
Many churches emphasize apostolic doctrine as a way of remaining faithful to early Christianity rather than later traditions or innovations.
Apostolic Succession Explained
In some Christian traditions, apostolic also refers to apostolic succession—the belief that church authority has been passed down in an unbroken line from the apostles through ordained leaders.
This concept is especially important in:
- Catholic churches
- Orthodox churches
- Some Anglican traditions
These churches believe legitimate spiritual authority flows from the apostles to modern church leadership.
“One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church”
The Nicene Creed describes the Christian Church as “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” In this context, apostolic means:
- The Church is built on the foundation of the apostles
- Its teachings remain aligned with apostolic faith
- Its mission continues the work begun by the apostles
This phrase highlights the importance of historical continuity in Christian belief.
Apostolic Churches Today
Some modern denominations include Apostolic in their name to emphasize:
- Strict adherence to biblical teachings
- A focus on early church practices
- Emphasis on evangelism and mission
In Pentecostal and charismatic movements, apostolic can also refer to restoring the leadership roles and spiritual gifts seen in the early church.
Why Apostolic Matters in Christianity
The concept of being apostolic matters because it:
- Anchors Christian belief in historical foundations
- Protects doctrine from distortion
- Emphasizes mission, teaching, and spiritual authority
- Connects modern believers to the earliest followers of Jesus
For many Christians, being apostolic means remaining faithful to the original gospel message.
Summary: What Does Apostolic Mean?
In summary, apostolic means:
- Connected to the apostles of Jesus Christ
- Faithful to apostolic teaching and doctrine
- Continuing the mission and authority given to the apostles
Whether used in theology, church identity, or doctrine, apostolic highlights Christianity’s roots in the teachings and mission of the apostles.
