CategoryPeople / Church Office and Mission Term
Modern Equivalentsent one; commissioned messenger.
KJV Word TypeChurch office / mission term
DefinitionA sent one or commissioned messenger, especially one of the foundational witnesses appointed by Christ to proclaim the gospel.
Key Verses"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles." (Luke 6:13); "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God." (Ephesians 1:1)
KJV Usage NoteRefers to one sent with authority, especially the foundational witnesses appointed by Christ and commissioned to proclaim the gospel.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not simply mean any messenger; in the New Testament it often refers to a commissioned witness with apostolic authority.
EtymologyFrom Greek apostolos ("one sent forth").