apostle

American  

[uh-pos-uhl] / əˈpɒs əl /

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.

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apostle British  

/ 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

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Usage

What does apostle mean? The word apostle most commonly refers to one of the 12 original disciples, or followers, who Jesus assembled to follow him and preach his message. According to the Bible, the 12 apostles were Simon Peter, the brothers James and John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot. When used to refer to one of these 12, the word is sometimes capitalized. In the Eastern Church, apostle refers to one of 70 original disciples of Jesus. Sometimes, it refers to any of the early followers of Jesus, though the word disciple is more commonly used this way. The word is also used as a title of certain church officials, such as in some Protestant sects or in the Mormon Church. Example: My favorite story about Jesus and the 12 apostles is when they fed all those people with just a few loaves and fishes.

Other Word Forms

• apostlehood noun
• apostleship noun

Etymology

Origin of apostle

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

Explanation

Although an apostle might be a pioneering supporter of any new cause, the word is most often used to refer to the twelve original disciples of Jesus who went on to spread the gospel. When used as a title, it’s capitalized. The Greek word apóstolos means "one who is sent out," giving it a proper connection with the word apostle. The word’s original English meaning of "messenger" referred to the followers of Jesus. The modern meaning can be more secular, with the word appropriately being applied to any leader breaking new ground or supporting an important new idea. As an apostle of the latest developments in good nutrition, you were outraged at the sight of french fries. Clearly, you had no choice but to make them disappear.

Example Sentences

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul transformed Jewish tradition by moving God’s image from the physical body to the spiritual soul.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Dutch Sheets, an influential self-described prophet and apostle, said in his daily worship broadcast last week that he realized that God had a plan.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2024

Armed with a whiteboard and a penchant for grilling corporate executives during congressional hearings, Katie Porter quickly emerged as an apostle for Democrats in Orange County.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2024

This idea was popularized by Lance Wallnau, a Pentecostal Christian businessman, regarded as a prophet, an apostle, and a teacher.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2024

That week in Sunday school, Miss Winthrop was talking about the apostle Peter and how he thought you should be good, kind and loving to everyone, even if it was hard.

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine

Related Words

• proponent