What Is An Apostle?

The word “Apostle” is used seventy-nine times in the New Testament; but what really is an Apostle?

The Septuagint uses “apostello” or “exapostello” over seven hundred times in translations from the original text. The title of Apostle is used in many modern-day churches. But what really is an Apostle?

For our purposes, an Apostle is defined as “one who is called by the Lord Jesus Christ to the Office of an Apostle in accordance with Ephesians 4:11-12 .”

Ephesians 4:11-12 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The word Apostle is derived from the Greek word “Apostello”. This word carries many definitions and nuances of meaning which we will cover in our upcoming series: “Knowing Your Call”. For our immediate purposes it helps to know that an Apostle can be briefly defined as ‘an envoy, one who is sent out or an ambassador.’

It is a calling and an office that is only conferred by the Lord Jesus Christ and there are signs that must follow a true Apostle. Apostle Paul boldly declared to the church at Corinth, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12). Jesus underscored the significance of this office by personally selecting only Apostles during His earthly ministry. It is imperative for all members of the Body of Christ to know what an Apostle truly is. In our section “Apostleship 101”; topics such as the ‘Signs of a True Apostle’ and ‘Growing Into Your Apostolic Call’ will be covered in great detail.

There is so much more about the Office of An Apostle that can not be adequately covered in one article. For more information, please see the following articles:

“Why the Body of Christ Needs The Apostle“

“The Function of the Apostle Within the Body of Christ”

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