ἀπόστολος (apostolos)

The Greek word ἀπόστολος (apostolos) means “delegate” or “messenger” according to Thayer’s lexicon. Jesus had disciples – all of which had the authority to spread his teachings. Jesus also selected twelve delegates that would go into villages and arrange for his place to stay and where he would eat and so on. Like his disciples, these also had the authority to spread his teachings. The assumption of “apostles” that assumes these twelve were somehow superior to Jesus’ other disciples is a notion that first arose among the Roman Catholic teachings. This is contradicted by Luke 10, which describes that Jesus sent out 72 disciples. This means the twelve were not Jesus’ only potential messengers – or only means to pass on Jesus’ teachings. While the twelve might have included some advanced disciples, it is evident from Judas that they weren’t necessarily the only ‘chosen’ to pass on his instructions. Any one of Jesus’ disciples had the opportunity to pass on Jesus’ teachings, as ultimately, the Supreme Being picks His representatives. Rather, these twelve (including Judas) were picked by Jesus to represent him in practical matters as he traveled and preached.