This paper responds to the question what is the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is
demonstrated? The investigation examines the meaning of apostolicity found in the New
Testament, its significant transition through the post-apostolic period, and the consequence on
contemporary understanding. The dilemma of the first and second century-generation
Christians was how to understand apostolicity in light of the disappearance of the ‘sacred triad’
(apostles, prophets and teachers). The emerging principles of discontinuity, transference,
transformation and succession carved the road to canonisation, bishop-centrism and episcopal
systemisation. The Pentecostal anchorage in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is
determinant in qualifying apostolicity; while emphasising agency and function, it also turns
attention to the Person of the Spirit. This leads necessarily to an examination of the Trinity,
ontologically and relationally, and therefore brings a fuller response to the research question.
Subsequent exploration of the non-hierarchical, ‘intra-Trinitarian’ relationship will demonstrate
an apostolic archetype. This contribution seeks to restore the Trinity to apostolic thinking in
response to the historical construct by defining the nature of apostolicity in Godhead, and to
argue apostolicity as a response to subordinate suppositions. It concludes with a proposed
basis for renewed self-understanding as Trinitarian extension.