ἀπόστολος (apostolos)
apostolos
apostle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 78 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun apostolos refers to a messenger or delegate sent on a specific mission with authority. In classical Greek and the Septuagint, it described envoys or naval expeditions, but in the New Testament it takes on a distinct theological weight as one commissioned by Christ. The term appears seventy-eight times, most frequently in Acts and the Pauline epistles, marking those who carry the Gospel message with official backing.
Its usage generally falls into two categories. First, it designates the Twelve chosen by Jesus, such as in Matthew 10:2, establishing a foundational group of witnesses. Second, it applies more broadly to prominent teachers like Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and potentially Silvanus or Timothy (1 Thessalonians 2:6). Paul also uses the word to describe false claimants in passages like 2 Corinthians 11:13, showing that the title denotes a role of representation rather than mere personal piety.
The word derives from apostellō, meaning "to send forth." This etymology highlights that an apostle’s authority comes entirely from the sender. The sources note that while Paul claimed equality with the original Twelve (Galatians 1:11), his status rested on being sent by the risen Christ. Translators consistently render it as "apostle," preserving the sense of a formal ambassador who acts with the full power of the one who commissioned them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apostolos describes someone sent with a specific mission and authority. In the New Testament, it moves beyond a simple messenger to denote those commissioned by Christ to carry His message forward. This concept reminds us that our own calling is not self-generated but received from Him. We are delegates of grace, relying on the One who sent us rather than our own strength.
Understanding this role brings comfort in times of uncertainty. When we feel inadequate for the tasks before us, we can remember that the authority behind our work comes from Jesus Himself. Whether in the early church or today, the core identity remains the same: we are sent to proclaim hope and serve others with humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 78 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- apostles42×
- an apostle9×
- apostles.6×
- apostles,6×
- apostle6×
- an apostle,2×
- messenger1×
- apostles;1×
- apostle,1×
- an apostle —1×
- a messenger1×
- [to be] apostles,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποστόλων15×
- ἀπόστολοι14×
- ἀπόστολος13×
- ἀποστόλους10×
- ἀπόστολος,4×
- ἀποστόλοις4×
- ἀποστόλων.¶3×
- ἀποστόλων,3×
- ἀποστόλους,3×
- ἀπόστολον2×
- ἀπόστολος;1×
- ἀπόστολοι;1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:2
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;
This verse establishes the foundational group of twelve, defining the primary witnesses chosen directly by Jesus.
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Acts 2:42
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
It highlights that the early community’s stability relied on the specific teaching and fellowship provided by these commissioned leaders.
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Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This occurrence shows how apostolic authority was exercised when civil commands conflicted with divine instruction.