ἀποστολή (apostolē)
apostolē
apostleship
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apostolē refers to the office or dignity of an apostle, derived from the verb for sending away. While classical Greek and the Septuagint used it for general dispatches, expeditions, or even gifts sent as tribute, the New Testament narrows this significantly. It denotes the specific authority and role granted to those commissioned by Christ, appearing in key passages such as Romans 1:5 and Galatians 2:8.
This term captures more than just a job description; it implies the weight of the commission itself. In Acts 1:25, it contrasts with other forms of ministry by highlighting the unique foundational status of the twelve. The word underscores that apostles were not self-appointed but sent with divine mandate, carrying the full responsibility of their mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apostolē points to a divine commission rather than human ambition. It describes the authority given by Jesus to those He sent out, emphasizing that their mission came from Him alone. This reminds us that our own service in the church is not about self-promotion but about responding to God’s call.
In passages like Romans 1:5, we see this apostleship linked directly to grace and faith. It was never a title for the self-appointed but a heavy responsibility carried by those chosen to spread the gospel. For you, this means your work in the body of Christ is also part of a larger, sacred story initiated by God.
Understanding this helps us appreciate the foundation of our faith. The apostles were not just early leaders; they were witnesses commissioned to establish the church. This gives confidence that the message we share today rests on solid ground, grounded in the authority of Christ Himself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- apostleship4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποστολῆς2×
- ἀποστολὴν2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 1:25
to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.”
This verse highlights the solemnity of the office by contrasting the faithful commission with Judas’s failure to remain in it.
-
Romans 1:5
through whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations for his name’s sake;
Paul links apostleship directly to grace and obedience, showing it is a gift for mission rather than a status for pride.
-
I Corinthians 9:2
If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Here Paul identifies the believers themselves as the proof or seal of his authentic apostolic authority.