Biblical Terms

What is an apostle?

Quick Answer

An apostle is one 'sent with authority' - specifically, the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus plus Paul, who laid the foundation of the church through their eyewitness testimony and teaching.

Understanding Apostle

The Greek word 'apostolos' means 'one sent' with delegated authority, like an ambassador. Jesus chose twelve apostles to be His closest followers, witnesses to His ministry, death, and resurrection, and foundations of the church. After Judas's betrayal, Matthias was chosen to restore the number to twelve (Acts 1). Paul, though not among the original twelve, was appointed as the 'apostle to the Gentiles' by the risen Christ. Apostles had unique authority to teach, write Scripture, and establish church doctrine. Their qualifications included being eyewitnesses of the risen Christ and being directly commissioned by Him. While the foundational apostolic office ceased with their deaths, the church continues to be built on their testimony preserved in the New Testament.

In the Old Testament

While the specific office of apostle is a New Testament phenomenon, the concept of being sent with divine authority has Old Testament roots. Moses was sent to Pharaoh. The prophets were sent to Israel with God's message. The Hebrew concept of a 'shaliach' (sent one) who fully represented the sender influenced the understanding of apostleship. Jesus Himself is called an apostle in Hebrews 3:1 - the one sent by the Father.

In the New Testament

Jesus chose twelve apostles to mirror the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the reconstitution of God's people. He gave them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. After Pentecost, the apostles led the early church, performed signs and wonders, and proclaimed the gospel. Their teaching became the doctrinal standard for the church. Paul defended his apostleship based on his encounter with the risen Christ and his commissioning for Gentile mission. The New Testament writings, many penned by apostles, preserve their authoritative teaching for all generations.

Key Scripture References

Ephesians 2:20

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

Read full commentary →Luke 6:13

“And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”

Read full commentary →Acts 1:21-22

“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us... must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Read full commentary →1 Corinthians 9:1

“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?”

Read full commentary →2 Corinthians 12:12

“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

Read full commentary →Revelation 21:14

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

Read full commentary →