apostolic
adj.adj. relating to the original followers of Jesus or the traditions they started. It often describes the authority or history of a church leader.
adj. relating to the Apostles of the New Testament or their teachings and authority. Often used to describe the historical continuity or succession of church leadership.
The bishop claims apostolic authority for his decisions.
The church maintains that its traditions have been passed down through an unbroken apostolic succession since the first century.
Scholars debated whether the newly discovered manuscript truly reflected apostolic teaching or if it was a later addition to the religious canon.
Typically used attributively before a noun; often capitalised when referring to specific historical periods or offices.