Apostle

Apostle
Personal
Known for	Being one of the primary disciples of Jesus in the New Testament

An Apostle (from the Greek ἀπόστολος, apóstolos, "one who is sent away") is one of the primary disciples of Jesus in the New Testament. The term is particularly applied to the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings. The word "apostle" has also been used to refer to other individuals who were significant in the early Christian church.

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles were chosen by Jesus from among his early followers to become his closest companions and to spread his teachings. They are:

• Peter
• James, son of Zebedee
• John, son of Zebedee
• Andrew
• Philip
• Bartholomew
• Matthew
• Thomas
• James, son of Alphaeus
• Thaddeus
• Simon the Zealot
• Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias)

Role and Mission

The primary role of the apostles was to spread the teachings of Jesus and to establish Christian communities. They were given the authority to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons. The apostles played a crucial role in the early church, and their teachings and actions are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and various epistles in the New Testament.

Other Apostles

In addition to the Twelve Apostles, the term "apostle" is also used to refer to other significant figures in early Christian history. These include:

• Paul, who was converted to Christianity after the death of Jesus and became one of the most influential apostles.
• Barnabas, who worked closely with Paul.
• James, the brother of Jesus, who is often referred to as an apostle.

Legacy

The apostles are venerated in many Christian traditions, and their teachings form the foundation of Christian theology. The Apostles' Creed, a statement of faith, is named in their honor. The feast days of the apostles are celebrated in various Christian denominations.

See also

• Disciple (Christianity)
• Great Commission
• Acts of the Apostles
• Epistle
• Christianity