Question 106: Why is the Church called apostolic?

Answer:

The Church is called apostolic because it is founded on the teaching and witness of the apostles, who were chosen by Christ and sent by Him to proclaim the Gospel to the world. The Church remains apostolic by faithfully preserving their doctrine, proclaiming their message, and continuing their mission through apostolic succession and the authority of Scripture. (Ephesians 2:19–20, Acts 2:42, John 20:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 2:2)

Full Scripture References

“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” — Ephesians 2:19–20 (BSB)

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)

“Again Jesus said to them, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.’” — John 20:21 (BSB)

“For this reason we also thank God continually, that when you received the word of God… you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (BSB)

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Church is called apostolic because it is built upon the teaching, mission, and authority of the apostles—those men who were eyewitnesses of the risen Christ, commissioned by Him, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to establish the Church and proclaim the Gospel to the nations. Their teaching is recorded in Holy Scripture, and their authority continues in the Church’s faithful transmission of their message.

To be apostolic means to be faithful to the apostolic Word—the Gospel once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). The early Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42), and so must we.

The Nicene Creed declares belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” Apostolicity is not optional—it is essential to the Church’s identity.

Article XX of the Thirty-Nine Articles teaches that the Church “has authority in Controversies of Faith,” but that “it is not lawful for the Church to ordain anything contrary to God’s Word written.” Apostolicity is preserved when the Church remains under Scripture, not above it.

Bishop J.C. Ryle emphasized:

“Apostolic faith is not faith in apostles, but faith in the truth they taught. Wherever that doctrine is held, there is the apostolic Church.”

Archbishop Henry Ndukuba (Nigeria) states:

“We are apostolic not by innovation, but by faithful continuation—holding fast to the faith of the apostles and passing it on without corruption.”

Rev. Dr. Stephen Gauthier (Anglican Church in North America) teaches:

“To be apostolic is to be in continuity with the apostles in Scripture, in sacrament, and in mission. We do not invent the faith—we inherit and proclaim it.”

Canon Dr. Ashley Null notes:

“Apostolicity grounds the Church’s identity. It prevents drift by anchoring us to the unchanging Gospel, handed down through generations of faithful witnesses.”

This apostolicity is maintained through:

Scripture: the authoritative record of apostolic teaching.

Apostolic succession: bishops ordained in continuity with the apostles.

Mission: proclaiming the Gospel to every generation and nation.

Discipleship: training faithful believers to pass on the truth (2 Timothy 2:2).

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “The Church, though dispersed, carefully preserves the apostles’ teaching and hands it down… for it is the pillar and ground of the truth.” — Against Heresies, I.10.2

St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–107 AD): “Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic Church. Follow the bishop as Jesus followed the Father.” — Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8

St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD): “It is the apostolic faith that the Church holds, which the Lord gave, the apostles preached, and the fathers preserved.” — Letter to Serapion

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Church is apostolic because it stands firm upon the foundation laid by those who saw and heard Christ Himself.” — On the Creed, Sermon 213