What does apostle mean?
An apostle is fundamentally a person sent forth with a message or mission. In its original and best-known sense, the word refers to the twelve disciples whom Jesus Christ chose to spread his teachings, as well as to other early Christian missionaries such as Paul, who is traditionally styled the Apostle to the Gentiles. The word derives from the Greek 'apostolos', meaning 'one who is sent out'. Over time, 'apostle' broadened into a secular sense: a zealous, pioneering advocate who champions a cause, doctrine, or reform — as in 'an apostle of women's suffrage'. This figurative use connotes devotion, conviction, and tireless proselytizing, sometimes with a hint that the person's zeal borders on the evangelical. The term remains most at home in religious, historical, and elevated rhetorical contexts, where it lends weight and moral seriousness to descriptions of committed believers and reformers alike.
Any of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ, or another early Christian missionary of comparable standing.
"Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, became the most influential apostle of the early Church."
Usually capitalized when referring to the Twelve or to named early Christian figures.
A fervent, pioneering advocate of a particular cause, idea, or reform.
"She became known as an apostle of prison reform during her decades of campaigning."
Often used in the construction 'an apostle of something' in journalistic and biographical writing.
Standard plural; used both for groups of religious apostles ('the Apostles') and for multiple advocates of causes.
"The apostles traveled widely to spread their message after Pentecost."
The word 'apostle' comes from the Greek for 'one who is sent out' — so every apostle in history has literally been a messenger on a mission.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of apostle
The English word 'apostle' comes from Old French 'apostle' (modern 'apôtre'), which itself derives from Latin 'apostolus'. The Latin form was borrowed from Greek 'apostolos', meaning 'messenger, one sent forth', from 'apostellein', 'to send off'. It entered English through Christian usage, referring to the disciples commissioned by Jesus to spread his gospel. Cognate forms appear throughout the European languages, including German 'Apostel' and Spanish 'apóstol', all tracing back to the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How apostle is actually used
When capitalized, 'Apostle' refers specifically to the twelve disciples of Jesus or certain early Christian leaders such as Paul; lowercase 'apostle' carries the broader figurative sense of a passionate advocate. The religious sense is common in formal, historical, and theological writing, while the figurative sense often appears in political and social commentary.
Easily confused with apostle
An apostle is a person sent out to teach or preach, while an epistle is a letter, especially one written by an apostle.