According to the doctrines of the apostles; delivered or taught by the apostles; as, apostolic faith or practice.

Pertaining to an apostle, or to the apostles, their times, or their peculiar spirit; as, an apostolical mission; the apostolic age.

Of or pertaining to the pope or the papacy; papal.

A member of one of certain ascetic sects which at various times professed to imitate the practice of the apostles.

The tradition that most New Testament documents were written

Refers to what derives in some way from the tradition of preaching and teaching passed down in the Church from the Apostles.

That which is by nature consistent with the teaching of the New Testament.

of or relating to or deriving from the Apostles or their teachings

proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles; "papal dispensation"

Historic churches with a hierarchical form of governance (bishop, priest, deacon) who place importance on a succession of bishops traceable to early times (called apostolic succession). Examples include Roman, Orthodox, Anglican and some Lutheran churches.

According to the doctrine or practice of the apostles

refers to the bishops who are the successors to the original twelve Apostles

relating to the first twelve disciples of Jesus (Apostles), or their teachings and practice

Relating to the faith, teaching, or practice times of the 12 original Apostles. Relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the 12 Apostles.

1. of or belonging to an ambassador; ambassadorial. 2. of, belonging to, founded by, or descended from the Christian Apostles in direct line of succession; hence, 3. (Roman Catholic) of the Bishop of Rome; of the Pope; papal.