Definition

1. Noun:
   • The office, position, or authority of an apostle: "Apostleship" refers specifically to the status, role, or function of being an apostle, typically within a Christian context. It denotes the formal capacity or mission associated with the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ or, by extension, other prominent early Christian missionaries.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • His apostleship was recognized by the early church. (His official role as an apostle was acknowledged by the early Christian community.)
  • The letter discusses the qualifications for apostleship. (The document examines the requirements for holding the position of an apostle.)
  • She wrote a thesis on the concept of apostleship in Pauline theology. (Her academic paper focused on the idea of the apostolic office in the teachings of Paul.)

Advanced Usage

• "To hold the apostleship": To occupy the office or possess the authority of an apostle.
  • He was believed to hold the apostleship through direct divine calling.
• "A claim to apostleship": An assertion of having the status or authority of an apostle.
  • The debate centered on the validity of his claim to apostleship.

Variants and Related Words

• Apostle (n): A person sent forth as a messenger or authorized representative, especially one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ.
• Apostolic (adj): Of or relating to an apostle or apostleship; pertaining to the teachings and practices of the apostles.
  • Apostolic succession refers to the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles to subsequent bishops.
• Apostolate (n): The mission or work of an apostle; a group or institution dedicated to such work. (Note: This is a closely related but distinct term focusing on the activity rather than the position itself.)

Synonyms

• Apostolic office: The official position of an apostle.
• Apostolic authority: The power or right associated with being an apostle.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "apostleship" is almost exclusively used in religious, particularly Christian, contexts. It is a formal and specific term not commonly found in everyday secular language.
• It emphasizes the official capacity and authorization of the role, rather than just the personal identity of the individual.

Noun

1. the position of apostle