Apostles/Missionaries

def; a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
1. specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ
2. in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers
King James Word Usage - Total: 81 “apostle” 78 times, “messenger” 2 times, “he that is sent” 1 time

The Greeks had a word for a person sent as a messenger, that word was; “apostolos” -- Modern English has various words (even a religious one) that could accurately translate this word; “messenger” “emissary” “envoy” “ambassador” “representative” “diplomat” and “missionary”

In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark Luke & John) there are the Twelve sent out by Jesus;

1. Simon, who is called Peter
2. Andrew, Peter’s brother
3. James & John the sons of Zebedee
4. Philip
5. Bartholomew
6. Thomas
7. Matthew the publican
8. James the son of Alphaeus
9. Lebbaeus Thaddaeus
10. Simon the Canaanite
11. Judas Iscariot
    (Matthew 10:2-5)

Needless to say, Judas Iscariot lost his position, and the other 11 chose Matthias, by lot (drawing straws), in the Upper Room (Acts 1:21-26)

However, JESUS chose a new “12th” and sent him out; Paul, Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9)
Revelation 21:14 reffers to; “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” In MY opinion the twelth one of these is Paul, rather than Matthias, as Matthias was not chosen by Jesus, and Paul was chosen by Jesus.

The question I want to address here is the LOSS OF MEANING that comes from transliteration…

By making up a word to replace (rather than translate) the greek word which simply means “messenger” Religious people can give it any definition they want. Most don’t even realize there were OTHERS designated as apostles/missionaries beyond the twelve; Barnabas; James, the brother of Jesus; Andronicus and Junia; Titus; and even Jesus himself.

Clearly, The Twelve apostles/missionaries chosen and sent out by the Lord Himself hold a special place, as Revelation 21:14 indicates. But, scripture also plainly says the God chooses Others as missionaries (and prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers) throughout the history of the Church right down to this present day.

~peace~