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classical example is the threat, "Quos ego----!" of Neptune (in Virgil, _Aen._ i. 135). APOSTASY ([Greek: apostasis], in classical Greek a defection or revolt from a military commander), a term generally employed to describe a complete renunciation of the Christian faith, or even an exchange of one form of it for another, especially if the motive be unworthy. In the first centuries of the Christian era, apostasy was most commonly induced by persecution, and was indicated by some outward act, such as offering incense to a heathen deity or blaspheming the name of Christ.[1] In the Roman Catholic Church the word is also applied to the renunciation of monastic vows (_apostasis a monachatu_), and to the abandonment of the clerical profession for the life of the world (_apostasis a clericatu_). Such defection was formerly often punished severely. FOOTNOTE: [1] The readmission of such apostates to the church was a matter that occasioned serious controversy. The emperor Julian's "Apostasy" is discussed under JULIAN. APOSTIL, or APOSTILLE (possibly connected with Lat. _appositum_, placed near), a marginal note made by a commentator. APOSTLE ([Greek: apostolos], one sent forth on a mission, an envoy, as in Is. xviii. 2; Symmachus, [Greek: apostellein apostolous]; Aquila, [Greek: presbentas]), a technical term used in the New Testament and in Christian literature generally for a special envoy of Jesus Christ. How far it had any similar use in Judaism in Christ's day is uncertain; but in the 4th century A.D., at any rate, it denoted responsible envoys from the central Jewish authority, especially for the collection of religious funds. In its first and simplest Christian form, the idea is present already in Mark iii. 14 f., where from the general circle of his disciples Jesus "made twelve ('whom he also named apostles,' Luke vi. 13, but doubtful in Mark), that they should be with him, and that he might from time to time send them forth ([Greek: hina apostellae]) to preach and to have authority to cast out demons." Later on (vi. 6 ff.), in connexion with systematic preaching among the villages of Galilee, Jesus begins actually to "send forth" the twelve, two by two; and on their return from this mission (vi. 30) they are for the first time described as "apostles" or missionary envoys. Matthew (x. 1 ff.) blends the calling of the twelve with their actual sending forth, while Luke (vi. 13) makes
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