apostle, apostleship

Definition

The “apostles” were men sent by Jesus to preach about God and his kingdom. The term “apostleship” refers to the position and authority of those who were chosen as apostles.

• The word “apostle” means “someone who is sent out for a special purpose.” The apostle has the same authority as the one who sent him.
• Jesus’ twelve closest disciples became the first apostles. Other men, such as Paul and James, also became apostles.
• By God’s power, the apostles were able to boldly preach the gospel and heal people, and were able to force demons to come out of people.

Translation Suggestions

• The word “apostle” can also be translated with a word or phrase that means “someone who is sent out” or “sent-out one” or “person who is called to go out and preach God’s message to people.”
• It is important to translate the terms “apostle” and “disciple” in different ways.
• Also consider how this term was translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language. (See How to Translate Unknowns)

(See also: authority, disciple, James (son of Zebedee), Paul, the twelve)

Bible References

• Jude 1:17-19
• Luke 9:12-14

Examples from the Bible stories

• __26:10 Then Jesus chose twelve men who were called his apostles. The apostles__ traveled with Jesus and learned from him.
• __30:1 Jesus sent his apostles__ to preach and to teach people in many different villages.
• __38:2 Judas was one of Jesus’ apostles. He was in charge of the apostles’__ money bag, but he loved money and often stole from the bag.
• __43:13 The disciples devoted themselves to the apostles’__ teaching, fellowship, eating together, and prayer.
• __46:8 Then a believer named Barnabas took Saul to the apostles__ and told them how Saul had preached boldly in Damascus.

Word Data

• Strong’s: G06510, G06520, G24910, G53760, G55700