Apostle definition world history

Growing up, the term “apostle” was often mentioned in church, yet its true essence was unclear to me. It wasn’t until a transformative mission trip that I fully comprehended the significance of apostleship. Standing in the footsteps of the first-century messengers, I felt a deep connection to their unyielding faith and pioneering spirit. This experience sparked my desire to grasp the apostle definition and its significance in today’s world.

The role of an apostle transcends a historical title. It represents a divine calling that has influenced Christianity for centuries. These chosen individuals carried a message that reshaped lives and cultures, from Jerusalem’s streets to the Roman Empire’s farthest corners.

In our rapidly evolving world, the apostle definition regains its importance. It prompts us to reflect on our roles as messengers and witnesses to eternal truths. Exploring what it means to be an apostle is not merely about religious jargon. It’s about finding our place in a narrative that is ever-evolving.

The apostle definition is more than the original twelve disciples. It signifies a divine mandate, a sacred responsibility t

Apostles

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Under this title it may be sufficient to supply brief and essential information,

I. on the name "Apostle";
II. on its various meanings;
III. on the origin of the Apostolate;
IV. on the office of the Apostles and the conditions required in them;
V. on the authority and the prerogatives of the Apostles;
VI. on the relation of the Apostolate to the office of bishop;
VII. on the origin of the feasts of the Apostles.

The reader will find at the end of this article various titles of other articles which contain supplementary information on subjects connected with the Apostles.

The name

The word "Apostle", from the Greek apostello "to send forth", "to dispatch", has etymologically a very general sense. Apostolos (Apostle) means one who is sent forth, dispatched--in other words, who is entrusted with a mission, rather, a foreign mission. It has, however, a stronger sense than the word messenger, and means as much as a delegate. In the classic

And He Himself gave some to be apostles….
— Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

Today I want to cover some of the historical usages of the word “apostle.” You will see that it had many uses in the Greek language of early New Testament times, and you’ll also see how all these uses have application to a New Testament apostle. I believe this discussion will not only enrich your understanding of this ministry gift, but it will also help you more fully receive from this gift that, among other purposes, is given to help establish and strengthen you in the faith. And if you’ve ever sat under a true apostolic ministry, you will probably recognize the operation of that gift by many of the distinct characteristics that are found within the meaning of the word apostolos.

The Admiral of a Fleet of Ships

During the time of the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes (384-322 BC), the word apostolos was a naval term that described an admiral, the fleet of ships that traveled with him, and the specialized crew who accompanied and assisted the admiral.

The fleet would be sent out to sea on a mission to locate territories where civilization was nonexistent. Once an uncivilized region was identified,

Apostle

Overview

“An ‘apostle’ is an ordained commander in the Melchizedek Priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Apostles are chosen through inspiration by the President of the Church, sustained by the general membership of the Church, and ordained by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the laying on of hands. … In addition to serving as witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world (Doctrine and Covenants 107:23), as Jesus’ apostles did, members of the current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold the keys of the priesthood—that is, the rights of presidency (Doctrine and Covenants 107:35; cf. 124:128)” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism [1992], 1:59–60).

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Explore Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Videos

2:46

1:2

1:12

11:7

1:55

Learning Resources

General Resources

Joseph Fielding Smith, “The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,” BYU Speeches

Study Manuals

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Stories

Teaching Resources

Teaching Outlines

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

“Special Witness,” Lesson Helps for Learning Children

Media

Audi

Bible Usage:
Dictionaries:
Included in Eastons: Yes
Included in Hitchcocks: No
Included in Naves: Yes
Included in Smiths: Yes
Included in Websters: Yes
Included in Strongs: Yes
Included in Thayers: Yes
Included in BDB: No
Strongs Concordance:

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Apostle
A person sent by another; a messenger; envoy. This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father (Hebrews 3:1; John 20:21). It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he intrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, "the twelve," as they are called (Matthew 10:1-5;Mark 3:14; 6:7; Luke 6:13; 9:1). We have four lists of the apostles, one by each of the synoptic evangelists (Matthew 10:2-4;Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14), and one in the Acts (1:13). No two of these lists, however, perfectly coincide.
Our Lord gave them the "keys of the kingdom," and by the gift of his Spirit fitted them to be the founders and governors of his church (John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-15). To them, as representing his church, he gave the commission to "preach the gospel to every