Apostle
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Apostle in the Bible?
The term apostle designates a commissioned envoy or representative, most notably applied in the New Testament to the Twelve disciples selected by Jesus and to Paul, who served as authoritative witnesses to the resurrection and foundational figures in the establishment of early Christian communities.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific authority and distinct roles of the apostles clarifies how early Christian teachings were transmitted and preserved, providing essential context for interpreting the structural organization of the church described in the New Testament epistles and the Acts of the Apostles.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.