Apostle
An Apostle was one of the twelve men Jesus personally chose during his ministry to be his closest followers, witnesses to his resurrection, and the founding leaders of the early Church.
Chosen and Sent
The word apostle comes from the Greek for "one who is sent," reflecting the Twelve's mission to carry Christ's teaching to the world after his Ascension. After Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, the remaining eleven chose Matthias to restore their number to twelve, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
A Foundation the Church Still Stands On
Catholic teaching holds that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles, with bishops today understood as their successors in an unbroken line of authority and teaching. Saint Paul, though not one of the original Twelve, is traditionally honored as an apostle for his direct calling by the risen Christ and his extensive missionary work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were all twelve Apostles martyred?
Tradition holds that all but Saint John the Apostle died as martyrs, though the biblical and historical record for some individual apostles' deaths is less detailed than for others.
What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?
A disciple is any follower or student of Christ, a much larger group; an apostle refers specifically to the Twelve (plus Paul, by tradition) given a unique mission and authority to found and lead the early Church.