apostle

An apostle is defined as someone who followed Jesus as a missionary of the Christian message.

(noun)

An example of an apostle is James the son of Alpheus.

The definition of an apostle is one of the specific twelve individuals who Jesus called upon to help spread his word.

(noun)

An example of an apostle is Judas Iscariot.

See apostle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a person sent out on a special mission
any of the twelve disciples sent out by Christ to teach the gospel: originally, Andrew, Bartholomew, James (the younger, son of Alphaeus), James (the elder) and John (sons of Zebedee), Jude (or Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus), Judas Iscariot, Matthew (or Levi), Philip, Simon the Canaanite, Simon (called Peter), and Thomas (or Didymus); Paul, the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” was not among the original twelve; Judas was replaced by Matthias
the first Christian missionary in a place
any of a group of early Christian missionaries
an early advocate or leader of a new principle or movement, esp. one aimed at reform
any of the twelve administrative officials of the Mormon Church

Origin: ME < OE apostol < LL(Ec) apostolus < Gr apostolos, person sent forth < apostellein < apo-, from + stellein, to send: see still

See apostle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Apostle One of a group made up especially of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the gospel.
b. A missionary of the early Christian Church.
c. A leader of the first Christian mission to a country or region.
One of the 12 members of the administrative council in the Mormon Church.
a. One who pioneers an important reform movement, cause, or belief: an apostle of conservation.
b. A passionate adherent; a strong supporter.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English apostol

Origin: and from Old French apostle

Origin: , both from Late Latin apostolus

Origin: , from Greek apostolos, messenger

Origin: , from apostellein, to send off

Origin: : apo-, apo-

Origin: + stellein, to send; see stel- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: