Apostolicity as Divine Attribute in Trinitarian Relationship: the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is demonstrated

Abstract

This paper responds to the question what is the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is demonstrated? The investigation examines the meaning of apostolicity found in the New Testament, its significant transition through the post-apostolic period, and the consequence on contemporary understanding. The dilemma of the first and second century-generation Christians was how to understand apostolicity in light of the disappearance of the ‘sacred triad’ (apostles, prophets and teachers). The emerging principles of discontinuity, transference, transformation and succession carved the road to canonisation, bishop-centrism and episcopal systemisation. The Pentecostal anchorage in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is determinant in qualifying apostolicity; while emphasising agency and function, it also turns attention to the Person of the Spirit. This leads necessarily to an examination of the Trinity, ontologically and relationally, and therefore brings a fuller response to the research question. Subsequent exploration of the non-hierarchical, ‘intra-Trinitarian’ relationship will demonstrate an apostolic archetype. This contribution seeks to restore the Trinity to apostolic thinking in response to the historical construct by defining the nature of apostolicity in Godhead, and to argue apostolicity as a response to subordinate suppositions. It concludes with a proposed basis for renewed self-understanding as Trinitarian extension.

Keywords

• apostolicity
• trinity
• ontology
• episcopate
• pentecostalism