Definition of apostle?

[nebula]

I've often been puzzled by the word "apostle."

He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14)

So, why did Jesus call them "apostles"? Where did this word come from, and what does it mean?

Well, just last week, someone stated hearing that the word "apostle" was actually a title used by the Romans - it means "general of a conquored people." It was a position given the commander overseeing a conquored nation.

So, it seems Jesus used this term for the 12.

Has anyone heard of this - or something else?

[Openly Curious]

I've often been puzzled by the word "apostle."

He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14)

oc

Hello nebula, how are you

the key word is "designating" them here we need to look at for a second.

nebula

So, why did Jesus call them "apostles"? Where did this word come from, and what does it mean?

oc

Jesus did not "call" them apostles I want to point out here for a second.

nebula

Well, just last week, someone stated hearing that the word "apostle" was actually a title used by the Romans - it means "general of a conquored people." It was a position given the commander overseeing a conquored nation.

oc

This is true a commander in chief over a certain people a rank as in the army.

nebula

So, it seems Jesus used this term for the 12.

oc

Yes the term was used for the twelve but apostle Paul said in Corinthians that he was one that was born out of due time.

nebula

Has anyone heard of this - or something else?

OC

Okay now I will try to tie this all together. Jesus did not "call" his disciples apostles the word said he "designated" them apostle meaning he promoted them in their rank and this position or office held the title apostle. As they were entrusted with the Gospel in which Jesus taught them and even in the epistles you find when you read that they are only teaching and showing us further in depth the things that Jesus taught them while he walked with them on earth. But being called and being designated is two seperate things. Being designated gives one a mission in which they have been chosen to accomplish

In the case of the twelve their mission was that they were sent out to preach or advocate the cause of Christ and the good news of the gospel for this was their cause and their designated mission and position to which they were to go out and do.

Many people think that apostles are not for today I do not take that point of view because the term apostle only give one a cause or purpose, an office in which to fill or a dignity or mission to accomplish.

Apostle Paul is a prime example of this who once was the chief of sinners but God changed him and designated or appointed him in the army of the Lord and apostle one who is sent out to preach but with a certain mission to accomplish. In the case of Paul here he was appointed specifically an apostle to the Gentile nations and you see Paul in the word of God going far hence to the Gentiles. So it is just an office or rank in God's army. As Paul even said that "I magnify mine office" as Paul was amazed at how high in rank the Lord appointed him to after all the things he had done.

To whom much is forgiven much is required comes to mind here. We all are called to service but to different offices to fulfill and like the missionaries of today they feel a certain call to go to specific places and advocate the cause of Christ they in this way are being an apostle to the people. as they are the commander in chief who has the goods in that area as they have the light of the gospel to those who sit in darkness in that part of the world. Sometimes there are no other Christians around so it makes the the head honcho in that area in the kingdom of light.

Their are other offices as well but it is God who decides who get's to be what in the army of God. And no matter what office one holds we are to be apostles and advocate the cause of Christ we are to pull down the kingdom of darkness through preaching and spreading the word we have been all sent by God in this regards and been given a certain mission to fulfill in this world the commission of the church is to go out and preach and teach making disciples (more designated apostles followers of Jesus) Any ways that my take. blessings to you

OC

[Brandli5]

Apostle

{uh-pahs'-uhl}

Apostle is a title that means was given to one sent with a message. The term is applied primarily to the original Twelve called by Jesus to accompany him during his ministry (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16). In the Gospels, other followers are called disciples. The title was gradually extended to others such as Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:14; Rom. 9:1, 11:13); when this occurred, the Twelve were distinguished from all the apostles, as in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7.

[nebula]

Hey, OC!

I'm doing OK.

I have to chuckle because the point you brought out was not the point I was going after. I agree with you though. And I have to say it is a valid point.

However, I was asking about the term "apostle" - does it actually mean "general of a conquored people"?

[nebula]

Apostle

{uh-pahs'-uhl}

Apostle is a title that means was given to one sent with a message. The term is applied primarily to the original Twelve called by Jesus to accompany him during his ministry (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16). In the Gospels, other followers are called disciples. The title was gradually extended to others such as Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:14; Rom. 9:1, 11:13); when this occurred, the Twelve were distinguished from all the apostles, as in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7.

OK - but where does the term "apostle" come from? Why were they called that?

[apothanein kerdos]

It is a transliteration of the Greek word apostolos. The Romans used this word as someone who came forth with orders...it was more than a messenger but someone who acted as a diplomat or a delegate. Let's make this more complicated

apostolos is the noun form of apostello, which means to order someone forth. In other words, these messengers held power but were also ordered to deliver these messages. Thus, when Jesus refers to apostles he is refering to those who:

1) Have been directly called by Him or those He has appointed (such as with Barnabas or Timothy)

2) Have been called to be leaders within the broader Church body

3) Are to deliver the message of Christ to those they lead

[Openly Curious]

Hey, OC!

I'm doing OK.

I have to chuckle because the point you brought out was not the point I was going after. I agree with you though. And I have to say it is a valid point.

However, I was asking about the term "apostle" - does it actually mean "general of a conquored people"?

Hello nebula,

Glad to give you a good laugh and another point on top of things but I must say I think I need some rest. blessings

OC

[nebula]

It is a transliteration of the Greek word apostolos. The Romans used this word as someone who came forth with orders...it was more than a messenger but someone who acted as a diplomat or a delegate.

OK. Thanks!

Do you have an example of how this worked out in the Roman world?

[Ovedya]

In my understanding, by the most simple definition possible, an apostle is a "church planter."

[nebula]

Well, I know that's what we think now - or one of those things. I was looking for the origin of the term, though.