In Christianity, apostles play a crucial role in the foundation and spread of the faith. But what exactly does the term “apostle” mean? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the meaning of the apostle in Christianity, the bible definition, their role in the early church, and their continued importance in modern times.
What is an apostle in Christianity?
In Christianity, an apostle is a messenger or ambassador who is sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent out.” In the New Testament, the apostles were the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and to spread his message after his death and resurrection. However, the term “apostle” can also refer to other early Christian leaders who were not part of the original twelve, such as Paul and Barnabas.
The history and significance of the apostle in the Bible
The apostles played a crucial role in the development of Christianity. They were chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and to spread his message after his death and resurrection. 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. Some apostles – Paul and Peter, for example – had teachings and writings recorded in the New Testament. They continue to be a central part of Christian doctrine and belief today. The role of the apostle was seen as an important figure in the history of Christianity, meaning that their legacies continue to influence the faith and practice of Christians around the world. In another article looking at modern-day apostles, I use the definition the Bible gives us to explain these and other points in much more depth, using scripture.
The role of the apostle in spreading the gospel and establishing the church
The apostles were chosen by Jesus to spread his message and establish the early Christian church. They were witnesses to Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and resurrection, and they were responsible for passing on his teachings to others. The apostles travelled extensively, preaching and teaching about Jesus and his message. They also established churches in various cities and regions, appointing leaders and organizing the communities. The apostles’ teachings and writings, which are recorded in the New Testament, continue to be a central part of Christian doctrine and belief today. Their role in spreading the gospel and establishing the church is seen as crucial to the development and growth of Christianity.
The role of apostolic ministry in modern Christianity
Today, it seems there are six things for us to know about the role and meaning of an apostle that helps us build upon the definition we see in the Bible.
Firstly, the call on the life of those with apostolic ministry is to bring change or transformation in order to advance the kingdom of God. They’re called to encourage the church forwards and help churches develop a culture with a reforming mindset.
Secondly, we see two models of apostolic ministry – those who bring change by pioneering something new, and those who bring change by reforming something existing.
Thirdly, Paul is an example of a pioneering apostle, and Peter is an example of a reforming apostle. Paul started new things – churches, and ministry to the Gentiles – and Peter reformed something – Judaism, by helping Jewish converts move away from circumcision and Levitical dietary laws.
Fourthly, Apostles have eight distinct functions they perform. For example, one of their functions is to align the organisational architecture of the church. They ensure the church is crystal-clear and healthy in the five fundamental areas of church organisational DNA – its mission, vision, culture, structure, and strategy.
Fifthly, Apostles have a unique dynamic with the four other fivefold ministries. For example, their relationship with a prophet involves them helping to anchor the prophetic revelation and turning it into strategic and practical steps.
Sixthly, they are fundamental in helping us in the essential work of creating apostolic culture in our church.
Each of these insights gives us a flavour of the role, meaning and Bible definition of the apostle and apostolic.
I go into a lot more detail about this subject, and other Fivefold-related topics, in my book called Quintessentials, which you can find out about HERE.
This post is part of a series looking at the fivefold expressions. You can see the other posts in the series by clicking the following links:
- The Role of An Apostle in Christianity: Understanding the Meaning
- Exploring the Role of Prophets in the New Testament and Modern Day
- What Does it Mean to be an Evangelist? A Definition
- The Role of Pastors in the Bible: Lessons from Scripture
- The Role of a Bible Teacher in the Church
- Unleashing Your Fivefold Flow
I could be wrong but this sounds like New Apostolic Reformation started by the late C.Peter Wagner. This group literally believes the “Offices” and “Authority” of the original Biblical Prophets and Apostles are in existence today. These terms are used very loosely on Charismatics circles. I dare say it is trendy and a gross interpretation of Ephesians 5:22..
Thanks Dan, I appreciate your gracious and informed comment! I am one who does believe that apostles and prophets exist today. But not in the same way in as the biblical OT examples of prophets and NT apostles. There are numerous reasons why I believe this, and I’ve found all of the arguments put forward by those who don’t believe in apostles and prophets for today to be based on assumption, speculation, straw-man arguments, or poor exegesis. However, I also see many indulgences, excesses, errors, and ungodly behaviour by some who have claimed to hold the office. But I don’t think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater. I write more about some of my core beliefs around apostles and prophets HERE and HERE, explaining my biblical reasons for these offices are valid for today. What some non-charismatic/cessationists think charismatics are claiming the offices are isn’t entirely correct.
You have articulated a great article on what an apostle is. I would like to know how you would define what
a disciple is, and what is the principle difference between the two.
Thank you! I’d define a disciple simply as a learner, as per the Greek word. As we are all disciples, we are all meant to be learners from, about, and of Christ.
As an aside, it seems to me that Jesus’ group of twelve graduated from disciples to apostles which fully manifested after Christ’s ascension.
Thank you so much for this information. We have to understand that what Jesus instituted in the apostles is still necessary for today. He said that he gave some apostles, some prophets, some pastors, some evangelist, and some teachers for the perfecting of the Saints and for the working of the ministry. this is a timeless statement in the sense that while there is a church on earth, this scripture applies. As long as there is a need for the saints to be perfected for the work of the ministry to be done, there is a need for the fivefold ministry And its gifts. While we can’t be like the biblical apostles, because we were not there during Jesus, three year ministry; yet the spirit, the work, and the service of the Apostle is still needed and warranted for today.