An apostle in the Bible is a messenger or ambassador who is sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ
. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out"
. In the New Testament, there are two primary usages of the word apostle:
- The Twelve Apostles : These were the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to be his closest followers and to spread his message after his death and resurrection
. They held a unique position in the early Christian church and were responsible for establishing the church's foundation
- Other Apostles : The term "apostle" can also refer to other early Christian leaders who were not part of the original twelve, such as Paul and Barnabas
. These individuals were sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and played a crucial role in the development of Christianity
The original apostles were witnesses to Jesus' teachings, miracles, and resurrection, and they were responsible for establishing the early Christian church
. Later, other apostles were added to their number, and some of them, like Paul and Peter, had teachings and writings recorded in the New Testament
. Today, the term "apostle" can also refer to missionaries who are sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ
