Biblical Definition of Apostle: Meaning, Role, and Relevance Today
The biblical definition of apostle is foundational to understanding the early church, Christian leadership, and the spread of the gospel message. In the New Testament, the term “apostle” carries a rich and specific meaning, rooted in both language and divine calling. This post will unpack what the Bible says about apostles, trace the development of the role, and consider its ongoing relevance for believers.
What Does “Apostle” Mean in the Bible?
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “one who is sent out.” In the biblical context, an apostle is not just any messenger, but someone sent with authority to represent and speak for the one who sent them1346. This concept is central to Christian theology and the structure of the early church.
Key Aspects of the Biblical Definition
Apostle as a Messenger: An apostle is a person sent by another, a messenger or envoy, often with a specific mission or message456.
Divine Commission: Apostles in the New Testament were not self-appointed; they were chosen and commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself or, in rare cases, by the Holy Spirit (such as Paul)13.
Authority: Apostles carried the authority of the one who sent them, most importantly, the authority of Christ. Rejecting an apostle’s message was equivalent to rejecting Christ3.
Witnesses: A core qualification for apostleship was being a witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Corinthians 9:1)134.
Apostles in the New Testament
The Twelve Apostles
The most prominent use of “apostle” refers to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. These men—Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias)—were handpicked to be with Jesus, learn from Him, and then be sent out to proclaim His message (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16)16.
Their unique role included:
Being with Jesus during His ministry
Receiving special teaching and training
Serving as eyewitnesses to the resurrection (Acts 1:22)
Laying the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20)
Beyond the Twelve: Other Apostles
While the twelve held a special place, the New Testament also applies the term “apostle” to others:
Paul: Called an apostle to the Gentiles, Paul’s apostleship was unique because he encountered the risen Christ in a vision and was directly commissioned by Him (Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:1)1346.
Barnabas: Referred to as an apostle in Acts 14:14, Barnabas was a missionary partner of Paul14.
James, the Lord’s brother: Called an apostle in Galatians 1:194.
Andronicus and Junias: Possibly identified as apostles in Romans 16:714.
Other “sent ones”: Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23) and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25) are also described using the Greek word for apostle, though in a broader, less official sense14.
Qualifications of an Apostle
The New Testament sets clear criteria for apostleship:
Eyewitness of the Resurrected Christ: “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1)134.
Direct Appointment by Christ or the Holy Spirit: The original twelve were chosen by Jesus; Paul was chosen by Christ in a post-resurrection appearance (Acts 9:15)13.
Ability to Perform Signs and Wonders: Apostles performed miracles as a sign of their divine authority (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12)1.
The Role and Authority of Apostles
Apostles were more than missionaries; they were foundational leaders of the early church. Their responsibilities included:
Proclaiming the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20)
Establishing churches and appointing leaders (Acts 14:23)
Teaching and preserving doctrine (Acts 2:42)
Writing Scripture: Many New Testament books were authored by apostles
Their authority was recognized as coming directly from Christ. To reject their teaching was to reject Christ Himself (Luke 10:16)3.
Jesus as the Ultimate Apostle
Interestingly, the Bible refers to Jesus Himself as an apostle: “Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession” (Hebrews 3:1)48. Jesus was sent by the Father, embodying the ultimate example of one who is sent with a divine mission.
Apostleship in the Broader Sense
While the official office of apostle was unique to the first generation of the church, the term sometimes applies more broadly:
Missionaries and Church Planters: In a general sense, anyone “sent out” to spread the gospel can be considered apostolic in function, though not in authority12.
Ambassadors for Christ: All believers are called to be witnesses and ambassadors, sharing the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)1.
Are There Apostles Today?
This is a debated question in Christian circles. The majority of mainstream Christian traditions teach that the office of apostle, as defined in the New Testament, is no longer present today134. The foundational work of the apostles was unique and unrepeatable:
Foundation Laid: The apostles laid the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20); foundations are laid only once.
No New Revelation: The canon of Scripture is complete; new apostolic revelation is not recognized by orthodox Christianity.
Some groups use the term “apostle” for modern church planters or missionaries, but this is a functional, not an official, use of the word12. Claims of restored apostolic authority are often viewed with caution, as the New Testament warns against false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13)1.
The Lasting Impact of Apostles
The apostles’ teachings, preserved in the New Testament, remain the standard for Christian belief and practice. Their legacy continues as:
Scripture: The New Testament is the apostolic witness to Christ.
Doctrine: Apostolic teaching shapes Christian theology.
Mission: The church continues the apostolic mission to make disciples of all nations.
Key Biblical References
Matthew 10:2-4: List of the twelve apostles
Acts 1:21-26: Qualifications for replacing Judas
1 Corinthians 9:1: Paul’s claim to apostleship
Ephesians 2:20: Church built on the foundation of apostles and prophets
Romans 16:7: Andronicus and Junias as apostles
Hebrews 3:1: Jesus as the apostle
Conclusion: Why Understanding the Biblical Definition of Apostle Matters
Knowing the biblical definition of apostle helps Christians:
Appreciate the authority of Scripture
Understand church leadership and history
Discern the difference between biblical and modern uses of the term
Embrace the call to be witnesses and ambassadors for Christ
The apostles were not just historical figures; they were chosen instruments through whom God revealed His Son and established His church. Their message remains the foundation upon which the church stands.
