Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the Apostles or their teachings: Pertaining to, derived from, or characteristic of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ or their doctrines and practices.
   • Papal; relating to the Pope or the papacy: Pertaining to the authority, office, or succession of the Pope, regarded as the successor to the Apostles.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The early church followed apostolical traditions closely. (The early church closely followed traditions originating from the Apostles.)
  • He received an apostolical blessing from the Pope. (He received a blessing issued by papal authority.)

Advanced Usage

• "apostolical succession": The doctrine in some Christian churches that bishops represent a direct, uninterrupted line of descent from the Apostles.
  • The church places great importance on the principle of apostolical succession.
• "apostolical constitution": A type of formal decree or ordinance issued by a Pope.
  • The new norms were established by an apostolical constitution.

Variants and Related Words

• Apostolic (adj): The more common variant form, identical in meaning to "apostolical".
  • They studied the apostolic fathers.
• Apostle (n): One of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ; a person who vigorously advocates a cause.
• Apostleship (n): The office or mission of an apostle.

Synonyms

• Papal: Of or relating to a pope or the papacy.
• Pontifical: Relating to a pontiff, especially the Pope.
• Apostolic: (Identical in meaning, the preferred modern form).

Related Phrases

• Apostolical see: Another term for the Holy See, the jurisdiction of the Pope.
  • The decree was issued from the apostolical see.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or deriving from the Apostles or their teachings
2. proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles
   • papal dispensation