The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles are primarily the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry forth His teachings after His ascension. The role of an apostle was foundational in the establishment of the early Church, as they were entrusted with spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities.

The Twelve Apostles

The twelve apostles, also known as the Twelve, were personally selected by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Their names are listed in several passages of the New Testament, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:13-16. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following list from Matthew 10:2-4:

"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."

Role and Authority

The apostles were given unique authority by Christ to perform miracles, cast out demons, and preach the Gospel. In Matthew 10:1 , it is written, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness." This authority was a testament to their divine commissioning and served to authenticate their message.

The Great Commission

Before His ascension, Jesus gave the apostles the Great Commission, instructing them to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19-20 records this mandate: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The Replacement of Judas Iscariot

Following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the apostles sought to maintain their number at twelve. In Acts 1:24-26 , Matthias was chosen by casting lots to replace Judas: "And they prayed, 'Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

Although not one of the original twelve, Paul is recognized as an apostle due to his dramatic conversion and direct commissioning by Christ. In Galatians 1:1 , Paul asserts his apostleship: "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead." Paul's missionary journeys and epistles were instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Other Apostolic Figures

The New Testament also mentions other individuals who are referred to as apostles, though not part of the Twelve. Barnabas is called an apostle in Acts 14:14 , and James, the brother of Jesus, is considered an apostolic figure due to his leadership in the Jerusalem church.

Apostolic Legacy

The apostles laid the foundation of the Church, as described in Ephesians 2:20 : "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide Christian doctrine and practice. The apostolic witness to the resurrection of Christ remains central to the Christian faith, as emphasized in Acts 4:33 : "With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all."