First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
apostle
noun apos·tle \ə-ˈpä-səl\
: any one of the 12 men chosen by Jesus Christ to spread the Christian religion
: someone who believes in or supports an idea, cause, etc.
Full Definition of APOSTLE
1
: one sent on a mission: as a : one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul b : the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group
2
a : a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system b : an ardent supporter : adherent
3
: the highest ecclesiastical official in some church organizations
4
: one of a Mormon administrative council of 12 men
— apos·tle·ship \-ˌship\ noun
See apostle defined for English-language learners
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Origin of APOSTLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Old English; Anglo-French apostle & Old English apostol, both from Late Latin apostolus, from Greek apostolos, from apostellein to send away, from apo- + stellein to send
Related to APOSTLE
- Synonyms
- advocate, advocator, exponent, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight
- Antonyms
- adversary, antagonist, opponent
Other Bible Terms
APOSTLE Defined for Kids
apostle
noun apos·tle \ə-ˈpä-səl\
Definition of APOSTLE for Kids
: one of the twelve close followers of Jesus
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