apostle

[ uh-pos-uhl ]

noun

1. any of the early followers of Jesus who carried the Christian message into the world:

   Not all of Jesus’ followers named in the New Testament are considered apostles, but Paul, Barnabas, and Mary Magdalene certainly meet the criteria.

2. Sometimes Apostle. in the Bible, any of the original 12 disciples called by Jesus to preach the gospel: Simon Peter, the brothers James and John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot.
3. the first or the best-known Christian missionary in any region or country.

   St. Patrick and Palladius have both been dubbed “the apostle of Ireland.”

4. Eastern Church. one of the 70 disciples of Jesus.
5. the title of the highest ecclesiastical official in certain Protestant sects.
6. one of the 12 administrative officials of the Mormon Church.
7. a pioneer of any new system or cause, especially an early leader in a reform movement:

   He has emerged as an apostle of a new era of peace and national unity.

8. a loyal supporter or follower:

   Our company’s apostles are motivated by the service they can render for the good of the organization.

9. Nautical. a knighthead, especially one having its top projecting and used as a bitt or bollard.

apostle

/ əˈpɒsəl /

noun

1. often capital one of the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel
2. any prominent Christian missionary, esp one who first converts a nation or people
3. an ardent early supporter of a cause, reform movement, etc
4. Mormon Church a member of a council of twelve officials appointed to administer and preside over the Church

Other Words From

• a·pos·tle·hood a·pos·tle·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostle¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English apostle, apostol, apostul, from Old English apostol and Old French apostle, from Late Latin apostolus, from Greek apóstolos “ambassador, messenger,” literally, “one sent out,” noun derivative of apostéllein “to send off,” from apo- apo- + stéllein “to gather, make ready, send”; epistle

Word History and Origins

Origin of apostle¹

Old English apostol, from Church Latin apostolus, from Greek apostolos a messenger, from apostellein to send forth

Example Sentences

In a 2009 interview, Church apostle Dallin H. Oaks held that the Church “does not have a position” on that point.

From The Daily Beast

Bhatiyarov, the faithful apostle, has the perfect CV for a Dugin operative.

From The Daily Beast

In 1841, Smith sent his “personal apostle” Orson Hyde to the ancient Jewish capital.

From The Daily Beast

She sobbed; he lifted her chin with his free hand—and what less could mortal apostle do?

From Project Gutenberg

Its hiding-place was discovered by angelic music which issued from the mouth of the cave on every vigil of the holy apostle.

From Project Gutenberg

The teetotal apostle says it is a dreadful thing to be drunk.

From Project Gutenberg

He immediately arose, and began to describe the personal appearance of the great apostle to the Gentiles.

From Project Gutenberg

The Socialist deputy raised his head, and scrutinized Sangiorgio with his cunning eyes, those of an overrascally apostle.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• proponent