Pentecostal vs. Apostolic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Pentecostalism is a Christian movement emphasizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly speaking in tongues. Apostolic refers to a Christian denomination that seeks to uphold the teachings and practices of the apostles.
Difference Between Pentecostal and Apostolic
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Key Differences
Pentecostal and Apostolic are both Christian denominations but they have specific theological and practical differences. Pentecostals place significant emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prophecy. Apostolic Christians, on the other hand, focus on adhering to the teachings and practices of the 12 apostles, including baptism in Jesus' name and the Oneness of God.
In terms of religious practices, Pentecostals are known for their spirited worship services, which often include lively music and speaking in tongues. Apostolic worship, while it can also be fervent, centers around the strict following of apostolic traditions, which can include modest dress and a specific form of baptism.
Pentecostalism is a broader movement within Christianity that includes various denominations and independent churches. Apostolic churches are generally considered a subset within Pentecostalism, specifically adhering to the Apostles' doctrine and often practicing a liturgy that is considered more "traditional" compared to other Pentecostal groups.
While both Pentecostal and Apostolic groups believe in the foundational tenets of Christianity such as the divinity of Jesus Christ and the importance of the Bible, they diverge in their interpretations of issues like the Trinity, with some Apostolic groups being non-Trinitarian.
Both Pentecostal and Apostolic communities place high value on evangelism and missionary work. However, their methods and approaches may differ based on their specific beliefs and traditions, with Apostolic groups often focusing on establishing churches that strictly follow apostolic doctrine.
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Comparison Chart
Emphasis
Holy Spirit's gifts
Apostles' teachings
Worship Style
Spirited, lively
Strict, traditional
Denomination
Broader movement
Subset within Pentecostalism
Views on Trinity
Generally Trinitarian
Often non-Trinitarian
Evangelism
Various methods
Focus on apostolic doctrine
Compare with Definitions
Pentecostal
Pentecostalism often includes spirited worship and lively music.
The Pentecostal service was a lively event.
Apostolic
Apostolic churches are usually a subset within Pentecostalism.
Many Apostolic believers consider themselves Pentecostal.
Pentecostal
Pentecostals place high value on evangelism.
Pentecostal missionaries work globally to spread their faith.
Apostolic
Apostolic groups focus on strict adherence to biblical doctrine.
Apostolic teaching aims for strict fidelity to the Bible.
Pentecostal
Pentecostal churches focus on gifts like prophecy and healing.
Pentecostal believers often seek divine healing.
Apostolic
Of or relating to an apostle.
Pentecostal
Pentecostal refers to a Christian movement emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gifts.
The Pentecostal church was filled with people speaking in tongues.
Apostolic
Of, relating to, or contemporary with the 12 Apostles.
Pentecostal
Pentecostalism is a broad movement with various denominations.
The Pentecostal community includes many independent churches.
Apostolic
Of, relating to, or derived from the teaching or practice of the 12 Apostles.
Pentecostal
Of, relating to, or occurring at Pentecost.
Apostolic
Of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the 12 Apostles, regarded by Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some others to have been perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be requisite for valid orders and administration of sacraments.
Pentecostal
Of, relating to, or being any of various Christian religious congregations whose members seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, in emulation of the Apostles at Pentecost.
Apostolic
Roman Catholic Church Of or relating to the pope as the successor of Saint Peter; papal.
Pentecostal
A member of a Pentecostal congregation.
Apostolic
Pertaining to apostles or their practice of teaching; pertaining to the apostles (of early Christianity) or their teachings.
An apostolic mission
Pentecostal
Of or pertaining to Pentecost or to Whitsuntide.
Apostolic
According to the doctrines of the apostles; delivered or taught by the apostles.
Apostolic faith or practice
Pentecostal
Any member of a Pentecostal religious body
Apostolic
Of or pertaining to the pope or the papacy; papal.
Pentecostal
Of or relating to or characteristic of any of various Pentecostal religious bodies or their members
Apostolic
Of or pertaining to the Catholic missions.
Pentecostal
Of or relating to or occurring at Pentecost
Apostolic
Pertaining to an apostle, or to the apostles, their times, or their peculiar spirit; as, an apostolical mission; the apostolic age.
Apostolic
According to the doctrines of the apostles; delivered or taught by the apostles; as, apostolic faith or practice.
Apostolic
Of or pertaining to the pope or the papacy; papal.
Apostolic
A member of one of certain ascetic sects which at various times professed to imitate the practice of the apostles.
Apostolic
Of or relating to or deriving from the Apostles or their teachings
Apostolic
Proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles;
Papal dispensation
Apostolic
Apostolic refers to a Christian group that adheres to the teachings of the apostles.
The Apostolic church baptized its members in Jesus' name.
Apostolic
Apostolic Christians often emphasize the Oneness of God.
The Apostolic doctrine rejects the traditional concept of the Trinity.
Apostolic
Apostolic practices can include traditional liturgy.
Apostolic services often follow a set liturgical pattern.
Common Curiosities
What is Pentecostalism?
Pentecostalism is a Christian movement emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gifts, including speaking in tongues.
Do Pentecostals believe in the Trinity?
Most Pentecostals are Trinitarian, although there are exceptions.
Are all Apostolic believers Pentecostal?
Generally, Apostolic churches are considered a subset within Pentecostalism.
What distinguishes Apostolic baptism?
Apostolic baptism is often performed in Jesus' name, not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What does Apostolic mean?
Apostolic refers to a Christian denomination focusing on the teachings and practices of the 12 apostles.
Are Apostolic Christians non-Trinitarian?
Many Apostolic groups are non-Trinitarian, emphasizing the Oneness of God.
What is the Apostolic dress code?
Apostolic Christians often adhere to a modest dress code, including long skirts for women.
Is Pentecostalism a denomination?
Pentecostalism is a broader movement that includes various denominations.
What is a common Pentecostal practice?
Speaking in tongues is a hallmark of Pentecostal worship.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
