APOSTLE
What Is the Biblical Definition of an Apostle?
This word is related to a Greek verb, apostello , meaning "to send away, to send forth." It is used in several senses in the New Testament.
- Christ was God's "apostle," sent from heaven to reveal the divine will and to provide atonement for sin (Heb. 3:1).
- The term "apostle" is used for a select group of men chosen by Jesus to do special work on his behalf. The Twelve, in particular, held a unique and significant role. Of these, Judas perished (Jn. 17:12; Acts 1:25) and was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:21ff). Finally, Paul was selected as an apostle "out of due season" (Acts 9:15; 1 Cor. 15:8).
- The term "apostle" was also used in a generic sense, referring to messengers who were assigned various duties. This usage highlights the diversity of roles within the early Christian community. Among these were Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14), and Silvanus and Timothy (1 Thes. 2:6).
There are no apostles today, in the special sense of the Twelve and Paul, and claims of such (e.g., in Mormonism) are fallacious.
