apostolic Hear it!

apostolic Definition

ap·os·tolic (ap′əs täl′ik)

adjective

  1. of an apostle
  2. of the Apostles or their teachings, work, or times
  3. held to derive from the Apostles in a direct line of succession
  4. of the pope; papal

Etymology: ME apostolik < LL(Ec) apostolicus < Gr apostolikos

apostolic Related Forms
apos′·to·lic′·ity (ə päs′tə lis′ə tē) noun
apostolic Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • hermeneutics: Beale's volume is a valuable resource for many major articles on apostolic hermeneutics.
  • exhortation: However, the context of the apostolic exhortation is always the grace of God.
  • succession: Apostolic Succession, which is the burden of the book, is the special subject of the second chapter.
  • preaching: In the book of Acts you have the apostolic preaching of the cross.
  • authorship: And for Matthew's Gospel the claim of apostolic authorship was made.
  • zeal: To you, dear Brother Bishops, I commend this Year, confident that you will welcome my invitation with full apostolic zeal.

Modifying Another Word

  • truly: This is the only Church which is truly apostolic.
  • not: Pet. was seen to be tainted with the Docetic heresy, and the Shepherd was not apostolic.

Noun used with modifier

  • vicar: VICAR APOSTOLIC: A titular bishop who rules a vicariate apostolic or missionary district as delegate of the papacy.
apostolic Quotes

I believe in the Church, one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; and nowhere does it exist.

—Temple,William

   As he drew near, he gazed upon the gate Ne'er to be entered more by him or Sin, With such a glance of supernatural hate, As made Saint Peter wish himself within; He pattered with his keys at a great rate, And sweated through his apostolic skin: Of course his perspiration was but ichor, Or some such other spiritual liquor.

—Rochdale