apostle

An apostle is a person designated to carry a message or mission on behalf of a sender. The term derives from the Greek apostolos, literally “one who is sent.” In the Christian New Testament, the Twelve Apostles were the core group chosen by Jesus to witness his life, preach the gospel, and establish the early church. The term is also applied to Paul, who, though not among the Twelve, is described as an apostle of Christ because of his mission and his reception of a commission.

Function and authority: Apostles were entrusted with spreading the message, baptizing, teaching, and organizing early Christian communities. They held authority to interpret Jesus’ teaching, to appoint leaders, and, in accounts of miracles, to confirm the proclamation through signs. The New Testament letters discuss the scope and limits of apostolic authority and how it relates to the developing church structure.

Variations in use: Over time, the term was used more broadly to refer to other early church workers or founders who carried the gospel to new regions. In different Christian traditions, “apostle” may refer specifically to the original Twelve, to Paul, or to a formal church office endowed with continuing authority. The idea of apostolic succession connects current church leadership back to the apostles through ordained ordination and the transmission of teaching authority.

See also: Disciples, apostolic succession, early Christian church.