Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Christianity, New Testament) One of the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to preach his gospel. This is the primary historical and religious meaning, referring to specific individuals like Peter, John, and Matthew.
   • An important early teacher of Christianity or a pioneering Christian missionary to a people. This extends the meaning to other foundational figures who spread Christian teachings beyond the original Twelve.
   • An ardent early supporter or a leading advocate of a significant cause, reform, or theory. In a secular context, it describes someone who passionately champions and promotes a new idea or movement.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Religious):
  • Paul, though not one of the original Twelve, is often called an apostle for his missionary work.
  • The writings of the apostles form a key part of the New Testament.
• Noun (Secular):
  • She was an apostle of environmental conservation long before it became popular.
  • He is considered an apostle of modern architecture in this country.

Advanced Usage

• "Apostle to the...": A title used for missionaries who first brought Christianity to a specific region or people group.
  • Saint Patrick is known as the Apostle to the Irish.
• In a figurative sense, it implies a role of authoritative propagation and zealous dedication.
  • He served as the apostle of the new scientific doctrine among his peers.

Variants and Related Words

• Apostolic (adj): Pertaining to the apostles or their teachings, or to the pope considered as successor to Saint Peter.
  • The church follows apostolic tradition.
• Apostleship (n): The position or authority of an apostle.
  • His apostleship was recognized by the early church.

Synonyms

• Disciple: A follower or student of a teacher (often used interchangeably in religious contexts, though "apostle" implies a role of being sent out to preach).
• Evangelist: A person who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith.
• Pioneer: A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area or idea (secular sense).
• Champion: A person who vigorously supports or defends a cause (secular sense).

Related Phrases

• The Twelve Apostles: The specific group of twelve original disciples.
  • Jesus sent the Twelve Apostles to preach to the towns of Israel.
• Apostolic succession: The doctrine that the spiritual authority of the apostles has been passed down through a continuous line of bishops.

Related Idioms

• A doubting Thomas: (While not directly containing "apostle," this idiom refers to the apostle Thomas, who doubted Jesus's resurrection, and now means a habitually doubtful person.)
  • Don't be such a doubting Thomas; the evidence is clear.

Noun

1. (New Testament) one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel
2. any important early teacher of Christianity or a Christian missionary to a people
3. an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform
   • an apostle of revolution