The Apostolicity of the Church
Rev. Angus Stewart examines the apostolicity of the church as one of the four classical attributes confessed since the Council of Constantinople, arguing that true apostolicity consists in adherence to apostolic doctrine as revealed in Scripture rather than institutional succession. Stewart contends that apostolicity serves as the foundation for the church's holiness, catholicity, and unity, and therefore should be the starting point for all ecumenical discussions between Christian congregations and denominations.
Rev. Angus Stewart Since the Council of Constantinople (AD 381), the Christian church has confessed creedally four attributes of the true church, that she is “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.” Ephesians 2:20 teaches the church’s apostolicity, for the church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Thus the apostolicity of the church is biblical and creedal, but what does it mean? On the day of Pentecost, the beginning of the New Testament age, the church was gathered...