Apostle
Category
Church & Ministry
Biblical Definition
One sent with delegated authority; in the New Testament, preeminently the commissioned witnesses of the risen Christ who laid the church's foundational teaching.
Origin(s)
Greek: ἀπόστολος
Transliteration
apostolos
Literal meaning
one sent, delegate, messenger
Key Scripture(s)
Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:21-26; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14
Theological Significance
The apostles occupied a unique foundational role in redemptive history as authoritative witnesses to Christ's resurrection and teachers of His doctrine. Their witness is preserved for the church in Scripture.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
In the strict New Testament sense, apostle is not a generic title for every influential Christian worker. Scripture assigns the apostolic office a foundational and unrepeatable role in relation to Christ's resurrection and the church's doctrinal foundation.
Practical Application
This doctrine teaches believers to submit to apostolic teaching preserved in Scripture and to prize faithful mission as those who are themselves sent under Christ's authority.