“Apostle” means “one who is sent” — most often referring to the twelve original followers Jesus sent to spread his teaching.
An apostle is someone sent out with a specific mission or message. The word comes from the Greek “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent off.”
Most commonly, it refers to the twelve original disciples Jesus chose to spread his teachings, though the word also has broader, non-religious uses today.
You’re reading a New Testament passage and keep bumping into the word “apostle.” It sounds close to “disciple,” but something tells you they’re not quite the same thing.
That instinct is right. Every apostle in the Bible starts out as a disciple, but not every disciple becomes an apostle.
The word “apostle” carries a specific meaning: someone chosen and sent out on a mission, carrying real authority from whoever sent them. Understanding that one detail clears up most of the confusion around the term.
Table of Contents
- Apostles Meaning: The Real Definition
- Word Origin and History
- Apostle vs Disciple
- Comparison Table
- The Twelve Apostles
- Modern, Non-Religious Usage
- Common Mistakes
- Expert Tip
- Engagement Add-On
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
Apostles Meaning: The Real Definition
An apostle is someone sent out with a specific mission, carrying the authority of whoever sent them. In the New Testament, it most often refers to the twelve men Jesus personally selected and commissioned to spread his teaching after his death.
The Catholic Encyclopedia describes the apostles as disciples called to a special mission by Christ, distinct from the wider group simply described as “the disciples.” This distinction matters. All twelve apostles started as disciples — general followers and learners — before being formally chosen and sent out.
The word also appears with a capital “A” when referring specifically to one of these twelve, and Paul, who is also widely counted among the apostles despite not being one of the original twelve.
Word Origin and History
“Apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos” (ἀπόστολος), built from “apo” (away, off) and “stellein” (to send). Literally, it means “one sent off” or “one sent forth.”
The term wasn’t invented for religious use. In everyday ancient Greek, “apostolos” could describe a messenger, an envoy, or even a fleet of ships sent out on a mission. It later took on the specific meaning of a formal travel document, similar to a modern passport or exit visa.
The word moved into Latin as “apostolus,” then into Old French as “apostle,” before settling into its current English spelling by the 16th century. Its core meaning — someone sent with a mission — never really changed across all these transitions.
Apostle vs Disciple
A disciple is simply a follower or student — someone learning from a teacher. A much wider group of people followed Jesus as disciples during his ministry.
An apostle is a disciple who received a specific commission to go out and represent that mission with authority. Every apostle was first a disciple, but the title “apostle” marks a formal sending, not just following.
This is why the Gospel of Mark specifically notes that Jesus “named” twelve of his disciples as apostles — the naming itself marked their new, more specific role.
Comparison Table
| Term | Meaning | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Disciple | A follower or student of a teacher | Broad — many followed Jesus this way |
| Apostle | A disciple formally sent out with a mission and authority | Narrow — the twelve, plus Paul |
| Missionary | Modern English word derived from the Latin translation of “apostle” | General term for anyone sent to spread a religious message |
Modern, Non-Religious Usage
Outside religious contexts, “apostle” has picked up a broader, secular meaning: a passionate, leading advocate for a new idea, cause, or movement.
This figurative sense dates back to the early 1800s. Someone might be called “an apostle of clean energy” or “an apostle of minimalism,” meaning they’re an early, dedicated promoter of that idea — no religious meaning intended.
Common Mistakes
Assuming “apostle” and “disciple” are interchangeable. Every apostle was a disciple, but only twelve (plus Paul) held the specific title of apostle.
Forgetting Paul’s inclusion. Paul wasn’t one of the original twelve, but he’s still widely counted as an apostle due to his role and writings.
Engagement Add-On: Quick Quiz
- True or False: Every disciple of Jesus was also called an apostle. Answer: False. Only twelve, plus Paul, held the specific title of apostle.
- What does the Greek root “apostolos” literally mean? a) Teacher b) One who is sent off c) Follower Answer: b) One who is sent off
FAQs
What does “apostle” mean?
Someone sent out with a specific mission and authority, most often referring to the twelve original followers Jesus commissioned to spread his teaching.
What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?
A disciple is a general follower or student. An apostle is a disciple formally sent out with a specific mission and authority.
Where does the word “apostle” come from?
From the Greek “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent off,” built from “apo” (away) and “stellein” (to send).
Who were the twelve apostles?
Simon Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
Was Paul one of the twelve apostles?
No, Paul wasn’t among the original twelve, but he’s widely recognized as an apostle due to his missionary work and New Testament writings.
Can “apostle” be used outside religious contexts?
Yes. Since the early 1800s, it’s also used to describe a passionate, leading advocate for a new idea or cause.
Is “apostle” always capitalized?
Not always — it’s typically capitalized when referring to one of the twelve specifically, and lowercase in general or figurative use.
What happened to Judas Iscariot’s place among the apostles? After his betrayal and death, the remaining apostles selected Matthias to take his place.
Conclusion
“Apostle” means someone sent out with a specific mission and real authority — most famously, the twelve men Jesus commissioned to spread his teaching, plus Paul.
The word’s Greek root, “apostolos,” simply means “one sent off,” a meaning that’s carried through unchanged from ancient Greek into modern English, both in religious and everyday use.
Hello, I’m Jonathan Reed. I have a strong interest in biblical interpretation and Christian education. Over the years, I have spent significant time studying Scripture and researching its historical context to better understand its teachings and messages.
