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The concept of Apostle in Christianity

According to Christianity, the term Apostle primarily refers to the original twelve disciples of Jesus, tasked with spreading His teachings and witnessing His ministry. This group includes prominent figures like Peter and Paul, who emphasize love and perseverance in faith. The Apostle functions as a messenger, ordained to share the divine message and establish Christian congregations. Their teachings and experiences are foundational to early Christian beliefs, and their authority stems from having witnessed the resurrection of Christ, thus underscoring their critical role in the spread of Christianity.

Synonyms: Disciple, Messenger, Envoy, Believer, Missionary, Evangelist, Preacher, Herald, Advocate, Supporter

In Malay: Rasul; In Spanish: 础辫贸蝉迟辞濒; In Dutch: Apostel; In German: Apostel; In Swedish: Apostel; In Finnish: Apostoli; In French: 础辫么迟谤别

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Apostle'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to Paul, whose words are analyzed and interpreted in relation to the resurrection, the nature of flesh, and the inheritance of the kingdom of God.[1] (2) The apostle, using stringent language, asks, 'Am I your enemy, because I tell you the truth?', and uses the Lord's example in his teachings.[2] (3) The apostles were twelve, and they, along with the Gospel, and the harmony which obtained in each prophet, in the transitions of the persons, are examples.[3] (4) The apostle is mentioned in the text when it references, "we have been circumcised with the circumcision made without hands", to support the concept of spiritual circumcision, showing a connection between physical and spiritual practices.[4] (5) This was snatched away, emphasizing the importance of faith and immediate action.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) These are equated with the 'least one' who is greater than John, highlighting their importance in the kingdom.[6] (2) These were followers of Jesus, and they sought to increase their faith in the teachings and actions of Jesus.[7] (3) This term is used in the text, as the apostles inquire about increasing their faith, demonstrating the importance of belief.[8]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is a reference to the individual, who learned that the more certain the assurance, the better one can tolerate the procrastination of fulfilment.[9] (2) This is the individual who, in his fervent expression, struggles to convey the magnitude of the divine working and its expansive potential, using various synonyms to emphasize the transcendent energy.[10] (3) The Apostle is not describing the teaching that he had given to Timothy by its conformity with any standard, but is pointing to its essential nature as being wholesome, sound in a physical sense; and to its effect as being healthy and health-giving.[11] (4) This person's joy stems from the love shown to others, particularly the positive impact on the hearts of those who are suffering or in need.[12] (5) The Sanhedrin knew well enough that the Apostles had been with Jesus, and the statement that 'they took knowledge of them' cannot mean that that fact dawned on the rulers for the first time.[13]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) These individuals, like their Lord, thought and spoke of things supernatural and invisible after the manner of the Hebrew prophets.[14] (2) They are mentioned in relation to the Jerusalem Conference, where the power of binding and loosing was discussed, along with the elders, according to the provided text.[15] (3) This term is used to describe Matthew, referencing passages that tell of this chosen companion of Jesus, and his connection to the Petrine tradition, which is a source of information.[16] (4) This refers to the followers of Jesus Christ, and the reference to St. Paul鈥檚 letters as 鈥楽cripture鈥� is not decisive, and the appeal to the three authorities of the primitive Catholic Church is mentioned.[17] (5) St. Paul sees the sinner confronted by the Law of God, guilty and impotent; his fellow-teacher sees him standing outside the temple of God, defiled and banned.[18]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) There was perhaps no apostle or apostolic man who so much resembled Paul in attainments and character as Apollos.[19] (2) These individuals, for themselves and other Christians, call God 'Father', indicating a common usage and understanding of the term in a religious context, according to the text.[20] (3) Felix, expecting a bribe from Paul, engaged in multiple meetings with the Apostle to potentially secure the desired payment, as suggested by the provided text.[21] (4) The Apostle, who had attracted attention by the cherished and womanly decoration of their hair, is mentioned in the text.[22] (5) This refers to the author of the Epistle, and in the conclusion, he sends salutations and directs the recipients to send the Epistle to the Laodiceans.[23]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Timothy showed affection for the apostle, as well as those he was sent to minister, showcasing his devotion and care.[24] (2) This refers to sheluchim, who, like the Naphtali, brought good tidings, according to the provided text.[25] (3) This is a reference to Paul, and Titus shared many qualities with Paul, including his bold disposition.[26] (4) These individuals generally used the Greek language in preaching, as it was widely spoken at the time, making it a key tool for spreading their message.[27] (5) The apostle is a religious figure, who helped their graces, and it represents the influence, of Paul, and the impact, he had on the community.[28]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) These individuals are reassured by the speaker, and the text mentions the speaker's words of comfort and reassurance to them.[29] (2) The group of people to whom Jesus showed himself alive after his passion, and who were commanded to wait in Jerusalem.[30] (3) These are the individuals who asked the Lord to increase their faith, seeking a deeper understanding.[31]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) These are individuals who are mentioned in the text as having instituted or been involved in the administration of the sacraments, including Confirmation.[32] (2) The text mentions that these people knew some particulars of the mysteries of grace that the prophets did not know, and they are mentioned in relation to the mystery of Christ.[33] (3) The Apostle refers to a figure who offers guidance, and the text references the Apostle's words about God giving people repentance to know the truth and recover from the snares of the devil.[34] (4) This is a reference to an individual who makes statements regarding the nature of the law, particularly in relation to the coming of Christ and the transition from the Old Law to the New Law.[35] (5) This refers to a figure who provides guidance on behavior, with the Apostle saying to not contend in words because it is not profitable, but rather it subverts the hearers.[36]

From: The city of God

(1) This is the individual who states that if believers are dead with Christ, they should seek things above where Christ sits at the right hand of God.[37] (2) This is the person who judiciously introduces the comparison of God to a potter, and of the same lump made one vessel to honor, another to dishonor, as mentioned in the text.[38] (3) The apostle is a reference to the Apostle Paul, who gave instructions about the appropriate conduct of the married.[39] (4) This is a person, as mentioned in the text, who says that sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed, providing a quote.[40] (5) The apostle is mentioned as someone who said, "Though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, as there be gods many and lords many, but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him."[41]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) Those who went under the yoke of obedience and the governance of others, both before and after receiving the Holy Ghost.[42]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) This is a group of people who remained in the upper chamber for ten days after the Ascension, being constant in fasting and prayer, and expecting the Spirit.[43] (2) The apostles are the group of individuals who were married, with Peter being their chief.[44] (3) The apostles are the central figures discussed in the text, with their names, origins, preaching locations, and deaths detailed, highlighting their significance.[45] (4) The apostles are mentioned in relation to the day of Mary's death, as they gathered to pray over her and were blessed by her before her passing.[46] (5) This group of people were about to receive the Holy Spirit and were the recipients of that which was to be wrought, after the baptism.[47]

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) These individuals say that Christ is the Head of every man, indicating a leadership role.[48] (2) The Fathers delivered the Orthodox Faith, and the preaching of these was followed.[49] (3) These are people who were given glad tidings by Christ, and the text mentions them in relation to the Gospel, as written by Mark the Evangelist.[50] (4) These are the individuals who laid down an ordinance regarding those who have received the flesh and blood.[51] (5) Luke was this.[52]

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) These individuals were absent, causing Mary grief, and they were summoned by the Holy Spirit to gather around her, according to the text.[53] (2) This individual's statement, referencing the absence of a beginning and end for someone, led to varied interpretations, including a misunderstanding by some.[54] (3) Those who were given the laying on of hands of the priesthood, and who gathered in the Upper Chamber with Mary, after Christ's ascension to heaven.[55]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Second Helvetic Confession

(1) They did not leave the decision of fasting to others, but to every man's own judgment, so that each could do what is good without fear or constraint.[56] (2) These are individuals who preached and wrote to explain how the Son was given to us by the Father, and in him everything to do with life.[57] (3) According to that word of this, "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof," etc. (II Timothy 3:16-17). Again, "I am writing these instructions to you," says this to Timothy, "So that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God".[58] (4) The apostles, having received the practice from John, also baptized people with water, following the instructions given by the Lord to preach the Gospel and baptize.[59] (5) The text describes that the apostles traveled the world gathering churches, and once established, pastors took their place in each church.[60]

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) A best interpreter, who extends the psalm by name to Jews as well as Gentiles, proving that they are all under sin, citing scripture.[61] (2) These are the individuals that published the gospel and worked miracles, but under the divine conduct, and as God saw it convenient.[62] (3) The text mentions individuals chosen to spread the gospel, and the role they played in publishing a new doctrine to the world is important to consider.[63] (4) This refers to a follower of Jesus Christ who is responsible for spreading the teachings and the word of God to the masses.[64] (5) This is the person who states that the creature waits with an earnest expectation for the manifestation of the sons of God, and it is a part of the world.[65]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) A group of individuals, play a significant role in the context of the writings, their teachings, and the spread of Christianity.[66] (2) The early followers of Christ whom figures like Ammonius and Dionysius are said to have learned from or referenced in their teachings.[67]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Gnostic concept of 'Apostle'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The Apostle is a term used by Marcionites, referring to ten of the Letters of Paul, which they considered to be the authentic teachings, and the only texts they accepted from the New Testament.[68] (2) These are the individuals who were part of the inner communities, and the compilers of the three documents wove other material selected from a vast mass of myth, legend, and tradition.[69]

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) These individuals confuted Simon when he was deceiving many in Samaria with his magic arts, and they later encountered him in Rome where he was seducing multitudes.[70] (2) The individuals who confuted Simon Magus, as is recorded in the Acts, demonstrating his fraudulent nature and challenging his claims of divinity and authority.[71]

The concept of Apostle in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Apostle" signifies early followers of Christ, with Peter as the chief, who preached the Gospel, established the Church, and exemplified spiritual practices. Their legacy emphasizes religious leadership, virtue in weakness, and devotion in spreading faith.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) The apostle is the one who the threshold of the blessed Apostles Wilfrid desired to visit.[72] (2) This refers to the people who lived in the holy places.[73] (3) Ceadda traveled about on foot, after the manner of the Apostles, to preach the Gospel.[74] (4) Theodore had the tonsure of St. Paul, the Apostle, after the manner of the eastern people, as described in the text.[75] (5) This individual's words were used to describe Paulinus's intention to call the nation to the knowledge of truth.[76]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A reference to someone who can adapt to different roles and appeal to diverse audiences.[77]