Apostle — Meaning in the Bible
Someone sent with a message. Jesus chose twelve apostles; Paul and a few others are also called apostles in the New Testament.
What it means
The Greek word means "one who is sent". Jesus chose twelve from among his disciples and named them apostles, sending them out to preach and heal. Luke 6:12–16Mark 3:13–15Matthew 10:1–5
After Judas' death Matthias was chosen to join the eleven. Paul calls himself an apostle, called by Jesus, and Barnabas is also called an apostle in Acts. Acts 1:21–26Galatians 1:1Acts 14:14
Key passages
- Luke 6:12–16 — Jesus chooses the twelve.
- Matthew 10:1–5 — The twelve sent out.
- Acts 1:21–26 — Matthias chosen.
- Acts 14:14 — Barnabas and Paul called apostles.
- Ephesians 4:11 — Apostles among the gifts to the church.
Original language
ἀπόστολος apostolos
Greek · Strong’s G652 · gloss: “apostle”
The Greek word apostolos, "one sent". Luke 6:13
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
For children
An apostle is someone Jesus sent to tell others about him. Jesus chose twelve apostles, including Peter, James and John. Luke 6:13–14
Study further
- Mark 3:13–19 The twelve named.
- Acts 1:12–26 The twelve restored.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3–11 Paul, the least of the apostles.