Apostle
ἀπόστολος (Apostolos)
One sent with authority; a commissioned messenger of Christ
An apostle (apostolos) is 'one sent forth' with delegated authority. Jesus chose twelve apostles to be eyewitnesses of His resurrection and foundational leaders of the early church.
"And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach." — Mark 3:14 (KJV)
Key Verses
Mark 3:14
“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.”Read in context
Ephesians 2:20
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”Read in context
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G652 — Apostle (ἀπόστολος (Apostolos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἀπόστολος (Apostolos) appears.
Open Strong's G652The Word Apostolos
The Greek 'apostolos' comes from 'apostello' — 'to send forth.' In secular Greek, it could refer to a naval fleet sent on a mission or an ambassador carrying a king's authority. The apostle was not just a messenger but an authorized representative — his words and actions carried the weight of the one who sent him. When Jesus appointed apostles, He was commissioning ambassadors of the kingdom of God.
The Twelve Apostles
Jesus chose twelve men from among His many disciples to serve as apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias). The number twelve was significant — corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating that Jesus was reconstituting God's people around Himself.
Qualifications and Authority
The apostles had unique qualifications: they were personally chosen by Jesus, witnessed His ministry and resurrection, and received direct authority from Him. Acts 1:21-22 specifies that Judas' replacement must have accompanied Jesus from His baptism through His ascension and been a witness of the resurrection. This eyewitness requirement made the apostolic office unique and unrepeatable — the foundation upon which the church was built (Ephesians 2:20).
Paul: The Apostle Born Out of Due Time
Paul called himself 'one born out of due time' (1 Corinthians 15:8) because he met the risen Christ on the Damascus road after the ascension. Though he was not one of the original twelve, Paul vigorously defended his apostleship: he was personally commissioned by Christ, witnessed the resurrection, and received his gospel by direct revelation (Galatians 1:11-12). His apostolic authority produced thirteen epistles that form the backbone of New Testament theology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there apostles today?
Christians disagree on this. Some believe the apostolic office was unique and ceased with the first generation — no one today can meet the qualifications of Acts 1:21-22. Others believe the gift of apostleship continues in a broader sense (church planters, missionaries). All agree that no one today holds the same foundational authority as the original twelve and Paul.
What happened to the twelve apostles?
According to tradition, most of the apostles died as martyrs: Peter was crucified upside down, Paul was beheaded, James was the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:2). Only John is traditionally believed to have died of natural causes. Their willingness to die for the resurrection is considered strong evidence that they genuinely believed they had seen the risen Christ.
What is the difference between 'apostle' and 'disciple'?
A disciple (mathetes) is a learner and follower. An apostle (apostolos) is one specifically sent with authority and commission. All apostles were disciples first, but Jesus chose only twelve (plus Paul) for the unique apostolic role of eyewitness authority and church foundation.
What is the Greek word for "Apostle" in the Bible?
ἀπόστολος (Apostolos), pronounced "ah-POS-toh-los." It means one sent with authority; a commissioned messenger of christ. Its Strong's number is G652. It is the word behind "Apostle" in the New Testament, for example in Mark 3:14.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Apostle (ἀπόστολος (Apostolos))
One sent with authority; a commissioned messenger of Christ
Strong's G652 — Apostle
ἀπόστολος (Apostolos) • One sent with authority; a commissioned messenger of Christ
Biblical Meaning of the Number 12 in a Dream (KJV)
God's people, government, and divine order.
Who Were the Twelve Apostles?
People & Characters
What Is the Apostles' Creed?
Theology & Doctrine
The Apostles' Creed
A foundational confession of Christian faith across generations.
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