Apostlehood

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The condition of being a designated messenger often tasked with disseminating teachings or faiths is referred to in this context
2. This term describes the status of an individual appointed to promote specific doctrines and teachings
3. The role or condition associated with being an apostle, typically involving spreading a religious message

Etymology: "Apostlehood" is a plain English compound: the noun "apostle" with the suffix "-hood", which has been attached to English nouns since Old English to name a state, rank or collective condition. The suffix descends from the Old English noun "had", meaning "rank, condition, person of a certain rank", the same root that gives "childhood" and "priesthood". "Apostle" itself came into English through Old English "apostol" and Latin "apostolus", borrowed from Greek "apostolos", meaning "messenger" or "one sent forth", from the verb "apostellein", "to send off". The word's core sense is therefore a person dispatched on a mission, and the specifically religious sense of the twelve disciples sent out by Jesus is a narrowing of that broader meaning. Joining the two parts gives a word meaning the state or office of being an apostle. It is a rare and mostly theological term, so its use is limited to discussions of that office or standing.

Synonyms: apostleship, discipleship