Apostle: meaning, definitions and examples
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apostle
[ ษหpษsษl ]
religion
A person who is sent to spread a religious message or to promote a cause. In Christianity, the twelve apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus Christ, commissioned to spread the Gospel. The title 'apostle' is also used in a more general sense to refer to someone who is a vigorous advocate of a particular belief or cause.
Synonyms
advocate, evangelist, messenger.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apostle |
Used primarily in religious or spiritual contexts to refer to one of the original twelve followers of Jesus or someone who is a pioneer or early advocate of a movement.
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| messenger |
Commonly used to describe someone who delivers messages or information, whether in personal, official, or informal settings.
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| evangelist |
Generally used in religious contexts to describe someone who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, but can also be used more broadly in business or tech to describe someone who passionately promotes a product or idea.
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| advocate |
Used in various contexts to describe someone who supports or promotes a specific cause, policy, or idea, often in legal, social, or political settings.
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Examples of usage
- Paul was known as the apostle to the Gentiles, spreading the message of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.
- She considered herself an apostle of animal rights, dedicating her life to promoting the welfare of animals.
history
One of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ. The apostles played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity, establishing churches and teaching the Gospel. They are often depicted in religious art and are revered as saints in many Christian traditions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apostle |
Typically used in a religious context to refer to the early close followers of Jesus Christ, particularly the twelve apostles. It can also refer metaphorically to someone who is a pioneering advocate or supporter of a cause or movement.
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| disciple |
Generally used to describe a devoted follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosophy. Can be used in both religious and secular contexts.
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| follower |
Used to describe someone who aligns themselves with the ideas or teachings of a particular person or group, often implying a less active role than 'disciple'. It can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts.
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| prophet |
Primarily used in a religious context to describe someone who is believed to have been contacted by a divine entity to deliver messages or revelations. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone with visionary insights.
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Examples of usage
- According to the Bible, Peter was one of the closest apostles to Jesus, often acting as a spokesperson for the group.
- The apostles faced persecution and hardship in their mission to share the teachings of Jesus.
Translations
Translations of the word "apostle" in other languages:
๐ต๐น apรณstolo
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคชเฅเคธเฅเคเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Apostel
๐ฎ๐ฉ rasul
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะฟะพััะพะป
๐ต๐ฑ apostoล
๐ฏ๐ต ไฝฟๅพ
๐ซ๐ท apรดtre
๐ช๐ธ apรณstol
๐น๐ท havari
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฌ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฑุณูู
๐จ๐ฟ apoลกtol
๐ธ๐ฐ apoลกtol
๐จ๐ณ ไฝฟๅพ
๐ธ๐ฎ apostol
๐ฎ๐ธ postuli
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะฟะพััะพะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแกแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ apostol
๐ฒ๐ฝ apรณstol
Etymology
The word 'apostle' has its origins in ancient Greek, where 'apostolos' referred to someone who was sent on a mission or as a messenger. In the context of Christianity, the term specifically evolved to denote the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings. The concept of apostleship has been central to the growth of Christianity and the dissemination of its beliefs. The apostles are revered figures in Christian history, with their actions and teachings shaping the early development of the religion.