What is an apostle?
‘One who is sent out’
An apostle is one of the fivefold ministries given by Christ and is named as a foundational ministry for the church (Ephesians 2:19-22).
The Greek word used is ἀπόστολος (apostolos) and it literally means ‘one who is sent out.‘ It carries the connotation of someone being:
- Sent with a specific mission or purpose
- Having the authority of the one who sent them
- Acting as a representative
An ambassador
The apostle’s history is connected with seafaring, where the word arose as a title for an admiral leading a fleet of ships sent to discover new territory and colonise it with their originating culture.
The apostle held the role of an Ambassador, a representative carrying the authority of their sending nation to establish new communities. The word also became associated with travel, even becoming synonymous with a passport or a travel document.
Sent with Christ’s authority
Therefore, ‘apostle’ powerfully conveyed the idea of individuals sent with Christ’s authority on a foundational mission to new territories – both geographically and spiritually.
‘Apostles of Christ’
Interestingly, there is no mention in the New Testament of a discontinuation of apostles, in fact there are various people mentioned beyond the 12 who are called apostles.
Barnabas: He is called an apostle alongside Paul in Acts 14:14. They were jointly sent out on missionary journeys.
James (the Lord’s brother): In Galatians 1:19, Paul refers to him as an apostle, distinguishing him from the original twelve. He became a significant leader in the Jerusalem church.
Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy: They are mentioned alongside Paul in the salutations of 1 and 2 Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2:6), where Paul speaks of their authority ‘as apostles of Christ.’ This implies they were considered apostles in their ministry.
Apollos: While not explicitly called an apostle, Paul includes him when speaking of “us apostles” in 1 Corinthians 4:6-9, suggesting he was recognised as such.
Andronicus and Junia(s): In Romans 16:7, Paul greets them as ‘outstanding among the apostles,’ indicating they were well-regarded within the apostolic circle, Junia(s) is considered to be a female name, showing that both men and women can operate as apostles.
Epaphroditus: In Philippians 2:25, he is referred to as a ‘messenger’ (Greek: apostolos) of the Philippian church, while the context focuses on his role as a representative, the term itself is the same used for apostles.
Two unnamed apostles: In 2 Corinthians 8:23, Paul refers to unnamed individuals as ‘apostles of the churches,’ sent to assist Titus.
A role bestowed by Jesus
To further elaborate on the role of the apostle, looking at the original twelve and those named in the New Testament, reveals a calling to father churches, lay a sound foundation (Ephesians 2:19-22), appoint leaders (Acts 14:23), provide ongoing fatherly nurturing care (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus), and release signs, wonders, and miracles (2 Corinthians 12:12).
Apostles are a much-needed ministry in the body of Christ for growth and maturity. This is not a self-appointed role but one bestowed by Jesus.
