apostolinen

Apostolinen is a Finnish adjective meaning apostolic, relating to the apostles or to the teachings and authority attributed to them. The term comes from the noun apostoli (apostle), which in turn derives from the Greek apostolos, meaning “one who is sent.”

In Christian theology and church practice, apostolinen is used to describe the tradition and authority believed to be handed down by the apostles, i.e., the apostolic tradition. It is common in discussions of how the church preserves the original teaching and mission of Jesus and his first followers. The phrase apostolinen uskontunnustus refers to the Apostles’ Creed, a concise profession of faith that plays a central role in many Finnish Lutheran and Orthodox liturgies.

The word also appears in the names of church movements and congregations that identify with apostolic origins or authority, such as church bodies that emphasize apostolic succession or missionary authority. In Finland, as in other countries, there are denominations and groups that use “apostolinen” in their official names.

Beyond church contexts, apostolinen can describe anything associated with the apostles or their example, such as apostolinen opetus (apostolic teaching) or apostolinen perinne (apostolic tradition). In sum, apostolinen denotes connection to the early Christian apostles and to traditions regarded as originating with them.