APOSTOLIC TRADITION Meaning and
Definition
-
Apostolic Tradition refers to the body of beliefs, teachings, practices, and customs that are said to have been handed down by the apostles of Jesus Christ to their successors, the bishops of the early Christian Church. It is a term commonly used in Catholic and Orthodox Christian theology to describe the transmission of the faith from the apostles to the later generations.
According to this doctrine, the apostles, being the original chosen disciples of Jesus, served as the foundation of the Church. They received direct teachings from Jesus during his earthly ministry and were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread his message. It is believed that this unique authority was then passed down to the bishops of the early Church through the process of ordination, creating an unbroken line of succession known as the "apostolic succession."
The Apostolic Tradition encompasses a wide range of elements, including liturgical practices, sacramental theology, moral teachings, and doctrinal formulations. It is considered a valuable source of authoritative guidance in matters of faith and practice, alongside Scripture. The early Church Fathers, who were the early Christian theologians, often referred to this tradition in their writings, reinforcing its importance in maintaining the authenticity and continuity of the faith.
Though interpretations and practices may vary between different Christian denominations, the concept of Apostolic Tradition serves as a foundational principle in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, ensuring the preservation of the original teachings and practices of Jesus as transmitted by the apostles.
Etymology of APOSTOLIC TRADITION
The word "apostolic" comes from the Greek ἀποστολικός (apostolikos), which means "of or relating to the apostles". It is derived from the Greek root ἀπόστολος (apostolos), meaning "messenger" or "one who is sent". The term "apostolic" refers to something that is based on or derived from the teachings and practices of the apostles of Jesus Christ.
The word "tradition" comes from the Latin traditio, which means "handing over" or "passing down". It is derived from the verb tradere, which combines trans ("across") and dare ("to give"). Therefore, "tradition" refers to the transmission or handing down of customs, beliefs, or practices from one generation to another.
