Apostolischen

Apostolischen is a German adjective form derived from the noun Apostel (apostle). It is used to describe things that relate to or originate from the apostles, such as their teachings, authority, or tradition. The term appears in religious, historical, and linguistic contexts and is commonly found in phrases like apostolische Tradition (apostolic tradition) or apostolische Sukzession (apostolic succession).

Etymology and usage: The word comes from the Greek apostolos through Latin and Germanic development. In German, apostolisch forms adjectives and compounds that denote relation to the apostles or to their mission. The declined form apostolischen occurs in sentences requiring a masculine, feminine, or neuter noun in the dative or genitive case, or in other declined forms according to the surrounding grammar.

Theological context: In Christian theology, apostolicity marks an appeal to the authority or teachings of the twelve apostles. Apostolic succession refers to the belief that church leadership, especially episcopal ordination, is transmitted in an unbroken line from the apostles. The term also appears in discussions of “apostolische Überlieferung” (apostolic tradition), indicating doctrines or practices attributed to the apostles or their immediate disciples. Various Christian denominations use or emphasize apostolic concepts differently, ranging from Catholic and Orthodox notions of succession to Protestant discussions of continuity with the early church.

Linguistic note: As an adjective, apostolisch changes to apostolischen, apostolische, apostolisches depending on gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. It is frequently used in historical, doctrinal, and ecclesiastical writing to describe things associated with the apostles or their legacy.

See also: Apostle, Apostolicity, Apostolic succession, Apostolic Church.