What Apostle Means in the Bible

In Plain English

An apostle is someone sent out with a mission. Jesus chose apostles to carry His message to the world.

What It Means

One sent out with authority to represent the sender. An apostle carries the message and mission of the one who commissioned them, establishing churches and laying foundations for the faith.

What We Usually Mean By It

A chief disciple or early church leader

Word Origin

From 'apo' (from) + 'stellō' (send). The apostle is a commissioned envoy, not a self-appointed teacher.

What English Loses

The Greek word 'ἀπόστολος' (apostolos) carries a rich semantic range beyond the English 'Apostle.' It signifies one who is sent with a specific commission, often with the authority of the sender. This connotation includes being an emissary or ambassador, emphasizing the responsibility and authority of the role. Reading it in Greek highlights the intentionality and divine commissioning behind the role, which is often lost in translation to a single English term.

How It Is Used

In Greek, 'ἀπόστολος' typically appears in the nominative case when functioning as the subject of a sentence, indicating its role as the primary actor or focus. It often appears with the definite article, 'ὁ,' emphasizing its specificity and importance. This grammatical structure underscores the unique and authoritative role of the apostle, as one specifically chosen and sent by Christ.

Life in Biblical Times

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, an 'ἀπόστολος' was understood as a messenger or envoy, often carrying the authority of the one who sent them, akin to an ambassador. This cultural backdrop highlights the apostles' role as representatives of Christ, tasked with spreading His teachings and establishing the early Church. Understanding this context enriches the perception of their mission and authority in the biblical narrative.

Why It Matters

The Twelve and Paul were foundational apostles, eyewitnesses of the risen Christ whose teaching anchors the church. Christ Himself is the Apostle sent from the Father. The church is built on apostolic testimony in Scripture.

How to Apply It

You may not be an apostle, but you are sent. Every believer carries the mission of Christ into their workplace, neighborhood, and family. Who has God placed in your path to bless with the gospel this week?

Did You Know?

Apostolos comes from 'apostellō' (to send). Jesus chose twelve apostles to mirror Israel's twelve tribes, a new Israel sent to the nations with the gospel of the kingdom.

Key Passage

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Related Words

Send (apostellō), Mission (apostolē), Disciple (mathētēs)