Apostles vs Disciples in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the terms "apostle" and "disciple" refer to distinct groups, though with some overlap. A disciple is fundamentally a student or follower [6]. This term was applied not only to followers of Jesus but also to those of John the Baptist or the Pharisees [6]. A disciple of Christ is characterized by believing his doctrine, relying on his sacrifice, embodying his spirit, and imitating his example [6]. Jesus himself stated, "A disciple is not above his teacher" [4].
The term "apostle," meaning "one sent forth," originally designated the twelve disciples whom Jesus specifically chose and sent out to preach the gospel and to be with him [1, 2]. These twelve were given their title by Christ [3] and were entrusted with the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel [2]. The Gospels provide lists of these twelve apostles [2]. The number twelve is symbolically significant, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and these apostles represented the restored people of God [7].
While all apostles were disciples, not all disciples were apostles [5]. The office of apostle was unique and carried specific qualifications and functions. Apostles were commissioned representatives [7], called by God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit [3]. Their mission was initially to the house of Israel, but later extended to all nations [3]. Key characteristics of an apostle included being appointed directly by Christ, having seen the resurrected Christ, and being able to perform signs and wonders as credentials [10]. Paul, for example, defended his apostleship by emphasizing his divine appointment and success in preaching [10].
The New Testament also uses "apostle" in a broader, non-official sense to describe Christian messengers and teachers beyond the original twelve [1]. However, the official apostolic office, with its unique gifts and authority, was considered non-transferable and not intended to be perpetuated indefinitely [9, 12]. The church is understood to be built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, referring to their faithful witness and the message they delivered [8]. The apostles appointed certain practices for the church, not for themselves, but for those who would follow, anticipating future challenges [11].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Apostle — (one sent forth), in the New Testament originally the official name of those twelve of the disciples whom Jesus chose to send forth first to preach the gospel and to be with him during the course of his ministry on earth. The word also appears to have been used in a non-official sense to designate a much wider circle of Christian messengers and teachers See (2 Corinthians 8:23; Philemon 2:25) It is only of those who were officially designated apostles that we treat in the article. Their names are given in (Matthew 10:2-4) and Christ's charge to them in the r”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Apostle — A person sent by another; a messenger; envoy. This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father (Heb. 3:1; John 20:21). It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he intrusted the organization of his church and the dissemination of his gospel, "the twelve," as they are called (Matt. 10:1-5; Mark 3:14; 6:7; Luke 6:13; 9:1). We have four lists of the apostles, one by each of the synoptic evangelists (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14), and one in the Acts (1:13). No two of these lists”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Apostles, The — Christ pre-eminently called "The Apostle" -- Heb 3:1. Ordained by Christ -- Mr 3:14; Joh 15:16. Received their title from Christ -- Lu 6:13. Called by God. -- 1Co 1:1; 12:28; Ga 1:1,15,16. Christ. -- Mt 10:1; Mr 3:13; Ac 20:24; Ro 1:5. The Holy Spirit. -- Ac 20:24; Ro 1:5. Were unlearned men -- Ac 4:13. Selected from obscure stations -- Mt 4:18. Sent first to the house of Israel -- Mt 10:5,6; Lu 24:47; Ac 13:46. Sent to preach the gospel to all nations -- Mt 28:19,20; Mr 16:15; 2Ti 1:11. Christ always present with -- Mt 28:20. Warned against a timid p”
- Matthew “Matthew 10:24 (ASV) — A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 12:29 (Geneva1599) — Are all Apostles? are all Prophetes? are all teachers?”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Disciple — A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 6:13: 6:13 Disciples were students and followers; apostles were specially commissioned representatives. • The number twelve symbolically represents the twelve tribes of Israel. The apostles represented the restored people of God.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:20: 2:20 Apostles are missionary evangelists commissioned by God. • Here, the prophets appear to be New Testament prophets, not Old Testament ones (see 3:5; 4:11; see also 1 Cor 12:10, 28-29; 14:1-5, 22-24, 29-32, 39; cp. Acts 13:1; 19:6; 21:9-10). In both the Old Testament and New Testament, prophets are not primarily predictors of the future but are empowered to speak a message from God (see 1 Cor 12:10). • The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets (or on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets)—that is, on their faithful wit”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 38: office, and the command to appoint suitable persons to fill it, but also a specification of the qualifications to be sought and demanded; and (2.) a record of the actual appointment of incumbents; and (3.) historical evidence of their continuance in the Church from that day to this. With regard to the Apostleship, all this is wanting. As we have seen, the gifts of the office have not been continued, there is no command to perpetuate the office, no directions to guide the Church in the selection of proper persons to be apostles, no record ”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 38: adherence to the true gospel, by success in preaching (Paul said to the Corinthians that they were the seal of his apostleship, 1 Cor. ix. 2 ); and by signs and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost. Such were the gifts and qualifications and credentials of the original Apostles; and those who claimed the office without possessirig these gifts and credentials, were pronounced false apostles and messengers of Satan. When Paul claimed to be an apostle, he felt it necessary to prove, (1.) That he had been appointed not by m”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 8: Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts, Epistles, Apocrypha, Decretals — THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES.(1) (part 6): partiality, let all things be done. 27. The apostles further appointed: Let the bread of the Oblation be placed upon the altar on the day on which it is baked, and not some days after--a thing which is not permitted. All these things did the apostles appoint, not 670 for themselves, but for those who should come after them--for they were apprehensive that in time to come wolves would put on sheep's clothing: since for themselves the Spirit, the Paraclete, which was in them, was s”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 38: The world has never seen or suffered a greater imposture than that weak, ignorant, and often immoral men, should claim the same authority to teach and rule that belonged to men to whom the truth was supernaturally revealed, who were confessedly infallible in its communication, and to whose divine mission God himself bore witness in signs and wonders, and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost. The office of the Apostles as described in the New Testament, was, therefore, from its nature incapable of being transmitted, and has not in f”