There's a larger sense which would include the Apostolic Fathers, that is, the first-generation disciples of the Apostles, those who learned from the Apostles personally. That would extend the time-frame by a generation: AD 33 - AD 160 or so.
This list shows the span:
There are two senses of the phrase "Apostolic Times." The first, central meaning would be 33AD-100AD, the time period between Pentecost and the death of the last Apostle (John, in either Patmos or Anatolia.) There's a larger sense which would include the Apostolic Fathers, that is, the first-generation disciples of the Apostles, those who learned from the Apostles personally. That would extend the time-frame by a generation: AD 33 - AD 160 or so.
This list shows the span:
•Clement of Rome (ca. AD 15 - AD 99) was consecrated by St. Peter
• the author(s) of the Didache (written sometime between AD 50 and AD 110)
•Ignatius of Antioch (ca. AD 35 - AD 110) early bishop of Antioch, was taught by St. John)
•Polycarp of Smyrna(ca. 69-155) also a disciple of John
• the author of The Shepherd of Hermas (written between 140 -155)
The problem with including these as "tradition" is that the teachings in some of these contradict what the apostles and Luke wrote.
For example, in the Didache, which was not accepted by the church as canon, it teaches the following:
Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet.
Paul stayed in many places more than three days.
And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet.
Paul said it was ok to be paid. He also accepted gifts from the churches.
And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.
Paul told us to check what the spirit says and if it goes against the word it was a false prophet.
If this is the case then Paul was a false prophet!!!!
Example like this are why Christians are very dubious of catholic "sacred tradition". So much of it contradicts Scripture when it is closely examined.
the author(s) of the Didache (written sometime between AD 50 and AD 110)
Ignatius of Antioch (ca. AD 35 - AD 110) early bishop of Antioch, was taught by St. John)
Since these people wrote things that do not line up with scripture and are contrary to scripture, why would you assume they are NOT the people the apostle Paul was referring to???
2Co 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.