What defines an apostle?

Definition and Etymology

The term “apostle” originates from the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apostolos), meaning “one who is sent.” In Scripture, it specifically refers to an individual commissioned by Christ or, in a broader sense, by the early Church, to proclaim the gospel. The idea of being “sent” underlines the authority and responsibility given to apostles: they are not just messengers but authorized representatives of Christ.

The Berean Standard Bible reflects this notion in passages such as Mark 3:14: “He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him to be sent out to preach.” This verse shows how the apostles derived their authority directly from Jesus.

The Original Twelve

The most recognized group of apostles is the Twelve whom Jesus personally selected. The Gospels list them in verses like Matthew 10:2–4, which states, “These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.”

These men were chosen for a specific mission. They accompanied Jesus, learning directly from Him (Luke 6:13–16), receiving training, and later being commissioned to spread His teachings. Their close relationship with Christ, culminating in their witnessing of the risen Lord, forms an essential aspect of apostolic identity in the New Testament.

Witnesses of the Resurrection

A defining hallmark of the original apostles was their status as witnesses of the resurrection (see Acts 1:21–22: “…one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”). In Acts 1, the remaining eleven apostles sought a twelfth to replace Judas Iscariot. For that selection, the requirement was that the candidate had been with Jesus from the start of His ministry and had personally encountered Him after His resurrection.

This emphasis on the resurrection anchored the apostles’ message. The historical event of the resurrection (strongly attested by various early Christian creeds and manuscripts including 1 Corinthians 15:3–7) underscored their authority because they spoke from firsthand experience.

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

Outside the Twelve, the most prominent apostle is Paul. Though he was not among the original followers of Christ, Paul encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3–6). Galatians 1:1 states: “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” This clarifies that his apostolic authority derived directly from a divine calling rather than a human appointment.

Paul’s transformation from persecutor to proclaimer (Acts 9:1–22) and the subsequent work he carried out among the Gentiles further validated his apostolic role. Early Christians recognized this authority (cf. 2 Peter 3:15–16), underscoring that the apostleship extended beyond the initial Twelve.

Apostolic Signs and Wonders

In Scripture, miracles and wonders often accompany the ministry of an apostle. For instance, 2 Corinthians 12:12 states: “The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.” The performance of extraordinary acts supported their message and confirmed the divine power behind their office.

Although not every ministry in the early Church included extraordinary manifestations, these signs provided additional evidence that apostles spoke and acted under God’s authority. Biblical and historical records (including those by early Church Fathers such as Clement of Rome and Polycarp) testify to the cultural and communal impact of these miraculous signs during the apostolic era.

Later or ‘Extended’ Apostles

Scripture also names individuals like Barnabas (Acts 14:14: “…the apostles Barnabas and Paul…”), James the Lord’s brother (Galatians 1:19), and others as “apostles” in a more general sense. Their designation reflects the same root meaning: they were “sent” on a particular mission for the gospel. Unlike the Twelve, these were not necessarily present at all Jesus’ earthly teachings or eyewitnesses to every event. However, they played a crucial role in establishing and nurturing early Christian communities.

Some earlier Christian writings (e.g., the Didache) use “apostle” to describe traveling evangelists and missionaries. Over time, the Church increasingly reserved the term for the special authority of specific individuals—especially the foundational role played by the Twelve and Paul.

Biblical Qualifications

From the scriptural record, several traits consistently emerge to define an apostle:

1. A direct commission from Jesus or the acceptance of one’s commission by recognized apostolic authority (cf. Acts 13:2–3).

2. Faithful preaching of the gospel and responsibility in planting or guiding local churches (1 Corinthians 3:10).

3. As pertains to the Twelve (and notably Paul), an encounter with the risen Christ or a foundational closeness with His ministry (1 Corinthians 9:1, Acts 1:22).

4. Confirmation of their ministry by signs, wonders, or other recognizable evidences of God’s power (2 Corinthians 12:12).

Such qualifications underscore the special role apostles had in affirming doctrines and laying the doctrinal foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20: “…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…”).

Canonical and Historical Consistency

The concept of an apostle is rooted in the Gospels and Acts and is further expounded in the Epistles. While numerous manuscripts attest to this role, the recognized New Testament canon affirms the function of apostles as essential in establishing the Church’s teaching and testimony. Early manuscripts—such as Papyrus 46 (dated around the late second century to early third century)—contain large portions of Paul’s letters, confirming that the apostolic writings were held in high esteem from the earliest days of Christianity.

These manuscript findings, along with recorded testimony from early Church Fathers, corroborate the consistent teaching on what defines an apostle.

Relevance for Today

While many Christian traditions affirm that the specific office of “apostle” in the foundational sense closed with the original witnesses, others view apostolic ministry as ongoing in some form or function. In either interpretation, the central theme is that anyone identified as an apostle must be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ, exercise biblical authority responsibly, and serve according to the mission entrusted to them.

For believers, the apostles’ example continues to shape the Church’s doctrine and ministry. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, remain the authoritative foundation of Christian faith and practice.

Conclusion

An apostle, according to Scripture, is one who receives a direct call and commission to represent and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, often confirmed through the witness of the resurrection, foundational teaching, and (in some cases) miraculous signs. The original Twelve and Paul hold a unique place in establishing the apostolic testimony, which undergirds Christian belief to this day. Their writings, along with the broader New Testament record, remain a central source of doctrine and guidance for believers worldwide.