Brief Overview of ἀπόστολος (G652: Apostolos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apostolos

Root Words: The term ἀπόστολος (apostolos) derives from the verb ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō), meaning “to send away” or “to send forth.” It combines ἀπό (apó), meaning “from” or “away,” and στέλλω (stéllō), meaning “to send” or “to dispatch.”

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Primary Meanings:

• A messenger or envoy who is sent with a specific mission or message.
• An ambassador or representative with authority to act on behalf of another, often in a religious or official capacity.
• In Christian contexts, it refers to the Twelve Apostles, the primary disciples chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings and establish the early church.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπόστολος as “one who is sent out” or “a messenger.” It highlights its use in the Christian tradition to refer to the key figures commissioned by Jesus to propagate his message. BDAG emphasizes its official and authoritative nature, distinguishing it from other terms for messengers.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπόστολος as “one sent on a mission,” specifically focusing on its use to denote apostles in the Christian sense—those sent by Christ with a divine mandate to teach and spread the gospel.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀπόστολος means “a delegate” or “an ambassador.” It underscores the term’s use to denote those with a significant role and authority in religious contexts, particularly the apostles of Jesus.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀπόστολος as “a messenger” or “one sent on a mission.” It includes its use in various contexts, emphasizing the role of the apostle as an emissary with a specific task.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπόστολος as “a messenger” or “one sent forth,” highlighting its application to individuals with an important mission, especially in the Christian tradition as the followers of Jesus sent to preach.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Xenophon (Hellenica, 4th century BCE): Xenophon uses ἀπόστολος to refer to envoys or representatives sent on diplomatic missions, illustrating its application in political and military contexts.

Plato (Phaedo, 4th century BCE): Plato employs the term to describe those who are sent with a specific purpose or message, reflecting its use in philosophical discussions about the roles and responsibilities of individuals.

Aristotle (Politics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle mentions ἀπόστολος in the context of official representatives or envoys, showing its use in discussions about governance and statecraft.

4. Summary:

ἀπόστολος (apostolos) means “messenger” or “one sent on a mission,” with significant implications in both general and religious contexts. In classical Greek literature, it refers to official envoys and representatives in various roles. In Christian texts, it specifically denotes the apostles—key figures entrusted with spreading Jesus’ teachings and establishing the early church. Understanding ἀπόστολος provides insight into its foundational role in both ancient and Christian traditions, highlighting its importance in missions and authoritative representation.