apostolic age: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “apostolic age” mean?
The period in early Christian history, traditionally spanning from the day of Pentecost to the death of the last Apostle (John, around 100 AD), during which the apostles lived, taught, and spread Christianity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The period in early Christian history, traditionally spanning from the day of Pentecost to the death of the last Apostle (John, around 100 AD), during which the apostles lived, taught, and spread Christianity.
Can be used metaphorically to denote a foundational, pioneering era of any movement or institution, characterized by direct connection to the original founders or first principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. British academic texts may slightly favour 'the Apostolic period' as an alternative.
Connotations
Identical; carries connotations of authenticity, purity, foundational authority, and charismatic leadership.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in contexts of religious scholarship, history, and church discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “apostolic age” in a Sentence
[Verb] the Apostolic Age (e.g., 'date to', 'study', 'define')[Preposition] the Apostolic Age (e.g., 'in', 'after', 'since', 'from')The Apostolic Age [Verb] (e.g., 'witnessed', 'saw', 'ended')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apostolic age” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This tradition is thought to apostolic-age the community's practices.
- Scholars seek to apostolic-age the manuscript's origins.
American English
- The theologian attempted to apostolic-age the doctrine's development.
- You can't simply apostolic-age every modern controversy.
adverb
British English
- The community lived quite apostolic-age, sharing all possessions.
- The text was composed apostolic-age, likely before 70 AD.
American English
- The group organized itself apostolic-age, with a focus on itinerant preaching.
- This belief is attested apostolic-age in multiple sources.
adjective
British English
- The study focused on apostolic-age Christian communities.
- He has an apostolic-age fervour for evangelism.
American English
- Her research compares apostolic-age and medieval ecclesiology.
- They strive for an apostolic-age model of church planting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear metaphorically in a phrase like 'the apostolic age of our company' to refer to its start-up phase.
Academic
Primary context. Used in historical studies, theology, and religious studies to precisely denote the 1st-century period.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core technical term in ecclesial history, patristics, and New Testament studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apostolic age”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apostolic age”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apostolic age”
- Using lowercase inconsistently in formal writing ('apostolic age' vs. 'Apostolic Age').
- Confusing it with the 'Apostolic Fathers' period, which immediately follows.
- Using it as a general adjective, e.g., 'His ideas are very apostolic age' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, it is considered to have ended with the death of the last apostle, John, around 100 AD, though some scholars link its end to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Primarily, yes. It is a term of historical periodization within Christian and academic discourse. Non-specialists or those outside this context would rarely encounter or use it.
Yes, though this is less common. It can describe the foundational, pioneering phase of any organisation or movement, implying direct connection to its origins and founding principles.
The Apostolic Age refers to the period when the apostles themselves were alive. The 'Apostolic Fathers' were the next generation of early Christian leaders (e.g., Clement, Ignatius) who wrote in the late 1st and early 2nd centuries, just after the Apostolic Age.
The period in early Christian history, traditionally spanning from the day of Pentecost to the death of the last Apostle (John, around 100 AD), during which the apostles lived, taught, and spread Christianity.
Apostolic age is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Apostolic age: in British English it is pronounced /ˌapəˈstɒlɪk eɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæpəˈstɑːlɪk eɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a return to Apostolic Age simplicity”
- “possessing Apostolic Age fervour”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the APOSTLES being of a certain AGE. The 'Apostolic Age' is the historical 'age' or time when the apostles were alive.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (for events); THE FOUNDATION IS THE SOURCE (of legitimacy and purity).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Apostolic Age' a core technical term?