What Does “Apostolic” Mean?
Doctrinal, Denominational, and Ministerial Uses of the Term “Apostolic” in Christianity 1. Question What does the term “Apostolic” mean in…
Category: Apostolic
The Apostolic Church Denomination: Origins, Beliefs, and Distinctions from Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches
1. Question What is the Apostolic Church denomination, and how does it differ from broader Pentecostal or charismatic movements? What…
Apostolic Succession: What Is It, and Why Do Catholic and Orthodox Churches Emphasise It?
1. Question What is apostolic succession, and why is it considered essential by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches?…
Apostolic Ministry: Do Apostles Exist Today, or Were They Only the Original Twelve Plus Paul?
1. Question Do apostles still exist today as part of the Church’s ministry, or was the apostolic office limited to…
Apostolic Doctrine: What Is Meant by “Continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine” (Acts 2:42)?
1. Question What does the phrase “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) mean, and what are its…
How does the concept of apostles fit within the fivefold ministry outlined in Ephesians 4:11—“apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers”? Does this imply the apostolic office continues today?
1. Introduction: The Fivefold Ministry in Context Ephesians 4:11–13 states: “And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the…
Signs of an Apostle: What Qualified Someone as an Apostle in the New Testament?
1. Question What were the qualifications for apostleship in the New Testament, and how were apostles recognised? Were signs such…
What Do Modern Apostolic Churches Believe About Baptism, Holy Spirit Baptism, and Holiness?
1. Question What are the key beliefs of modern Apostolic churches regarding water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, and the doctrine…
What is Oneness Apostolic theology (“Jesus-only”) and how does it differ from Trinitarian Pentecostalism in doctrine and practice?
1. Introduction The distinction between Oneness Apostolic theology and Trinitarian Pentecostalism represents one of the most significant theological divides within…
Why do some Apostolic churches insist on strict holiness standards such as dress codes, hair regulations, and lifestyle restrictions? Are these biblically grounded or culturally shaped?
1. Introduction Many Apostolic Pentecostal churches are known for emphasising strict “holiness standards”, including modest dress, uncut hair for women,…
Were the apostles real historical figures who physically followed Jesus, or are they legendary founders constructed by early Christian communities to legitimise faith narratives?
1. Introduction The question of the historicity of the apostles is fundamental to Christian origins. Their existence underpins: Some modern…
Does claiming apostolic authority justify hierarchical or controlling church leadership structures, or is such use of authority inconsistent with biblical apostolic practice?
1. Introduction Apostolic authority is often cited to legitimise strong hierarchical church structures, particularly within: This raises ethical, theological, and…
Is apostolic succession historically unbroken, or is it primarily a theological claim without verifiable evidence of an unbroken lineage?
1. Introduction Apostolic succession is the doctrine that ecclesiastical authority is passed down through an unbroken line of bishops from…
Are the reported miracles of the apostles in the New Testament historical facts, or are they religious legends that developed later for theological purposes?
1. Introduction The Acts of the Apostles and Pauline letters record numerous miracles performed by the apostles, including: The question…
Are people today who call themselves apostles legitimate, or is it a self-appointed authority unsupported by biblical precedent?
1. Introduction In recent decades, especially within Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Restorationist movements, the title “apostle” has been revived, with individuals…
Other faiths have gurus, prophets, or spiritual leaders. How is Christian apostolic ministry unique compared to similar leadership or teaching roles in other religions?
1. Introduction Many world religions possess spiritual teachers, prophets, or enlightened leaders: The Christian concept of apostleship has distinct theological,…
Was the apostles’ devotion to proclaiming Christ’s resurrection due to genuine historical encounters with the risen Jesus, or can it be explained as group psychological experiences such as hallucinations, visions, or communal grief phenomena?
1. Introduction The devotion of the apostles, many of whom faced martyrdom for their testimony of the risen Christ, raises…
Has apostolic-style authority led to spiritual abuse or cultic control in some groups, and what ethical safeguards are necessary to prevent such outcomes?
1. Introduction The revival of apostolic-style authority within modern church movements, particularly in Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Restorationist contexts, has often…
Is the concept of apostles outdated in modern democratic church structures, or does it retain cultural and theological relevance today?
1. Introduction The concept of apostleship has been foundational to Christian identity, mission, and authority structures since the New Testament…
Has the teaching of apostolic succession caused unnecessary division between Christian denominations, and what are the historical, theological, and ecumenical implications of this doctrine?
1. Introduction Apostolic succession is the doctrine that ecclesiastical authority is derived through an unbroken line of bishops tracing back…