What is the difference between a disciple and apostle? | GotQuestions.org

In today's video I'll answer your question, what is the difference between a disciple and apostle? Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the.

End.

The Meaning of Disciple and Apostle

Every apostle was a disciple, but not every disciple was an apostle. Every person who believes in Jesus is called his disciple. Matthew 28, verses 19 -20 records Jesus saying, "...therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.". The Greek word for disciple simply refers to a learner and is used throughout the New Testament to refer to people who believed in Jesus and followed Him.

For example, Acts chapter 6 verse 1 says, "...in those days when the number of disciples was increasing.". The word disciples simply means believers or Christians in this context. The Greek word for apostle literally means one who is sent and can refer to an emissary or anyone sent on a mission.

An apostle is given the authority of the one who sent him. All of the apostles were disciples. They were among the many believers in Jesus. But only a select group of disciples were chosen as the twelve apostles.

The Twelve Apostles and Other Sent Ones

This included the original twelve disciples, although Judas Iscariot eventually reverted his loyalties and rejected Christ, and either Paul or Matthias. That there is a select group of twelve apostles is seen in the foundations of the walls of the New Jerusalem—twelve foundations, each inscribed with the name of an apostle.

Revelation chapter 21 verse 14. Other men who are named apostles in the New Testament, although not members of the twelve, included Matthias, Barnabas, Apollos, Timothy and Silas, Epaphroditus, and two unnamed apostles possibly already included in the previous list.

These men were sent ones in that they were chosen for specific work on behalf of the church, but they were not part of the twelve who were handpicked by Jesus. Jesus is also called an apostle in Hebrews chapter 3 verse 1, indicating that he was sent by and had the authority of his Father.

Ephesians chapter 4 verses 11 -16 speaks of apostles along with other church leaders whose role was to equip the believers for works of service. The main distinction of apostles appears to have been regarding their authority.

The apostles' teaching forms the foundations for the truths of our faith. The qualifications for being an apostle included having been with Christ during his ministry, having personally witnessed Jesus after his resurrection, and having been empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles or signs.

Paul as an Exception and the End of Apostleship

Paul was an exception to part of the qualifications. Although he did not accompany Jesus on his earthly journeys, Jesus made a special appearance to him on the road to Damascus and set him apart as an apostle to the Gentiles.

This is why Paul compared his place among the other apostles as one born at the wrong time. First Corinthians chapter 15 verse 8. There are no apostles in the special sense of the word alive in this world today.

There were only twelve, and they had a special task in the founding of the church. The word apostle, however, is still used by some Christian groups in reference to a missionary or entrepreneurial leader in a general sense.

But these people do not meet the same qualifications as the twelve apostles in the Bible. In summary, every person who believes in Jesus as his or her Savior is a disciple of Jesus. However, only a select group of early believers were chosen as apostles and given authority to perform signs and share the revelations found in the New Testament.

Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there you'll find one book I recommend or several links to related questions.

If you'd like to learn about Bible Munch, or if you're interested in Bite-sized devotionals, subscribe to Bible Munch on YouTube, it's linked right here. Now remember, Got questions? The Bible has answers, and we'll help you find them!