Understanding ἀποστολή (apostolē) Strong’s G651: The Divine Commission and Office that Empowers Kingdom Advancement

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-sto-LAY

Basic Definition

Strong’s G651: ἀποστολή refers to the divine commission or office of an apostle, encompassing both the sending forth and the authority given for the mission. It represents the formal appointment and empowerment for specific kingdom service, particularly in the context of spreading the Good News of the Messiah. This term carries the weight of both divine authorization and the practical implementation of that calling.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, “to send forth”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in ecclesiastical contexts
• Related to Hebrew concept of שליח (shaliach – appointed messenger)

ἀποστολή Morphology:

• ἀποστολή (nominative singular) – apostleship/commission
• ἀποστολῆς (genitive singular) – of apostleship
• ἀποστολῇ (dative singular) – in/with apostleship
• ἀποστολήν (accusative singular) – apostleship (direct object)

Origin & History

The concept of ἀποστολή emerged from classical Greek usage where it primarily meant “sending forth” or “expedition.” In maritime contexts, it could refer to a fleet being dispatched. Herodotus uses the term in his Histories to describe official missions of state importance.

The Septuagint employs this term sparingly, but significantly, often in contexts of divine commissioning. The term gained particular significance in early Christian literature, where it became specifically associated with the office and authority of apostolic ministry. Early church fathers like Ignatius of Antioch (Letter to the Romans) and Clement of Rome (First Epistle to the Corinthians) use ἀποστολή to describe both the office and function of apostolic ministry.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Divine commissioning with authority
• Office or position of an apostle
• The act of being sent forth with a specific mission
• The state of being commissioned for special service

ἀποστολή Translation Options:

• “Apostleship” – Emphasizes the official position and authority
• “Commission” – Highlights the aspect of being sent with authority
• “Mission” – Focuses on the practical outworking of the calling
• “Apostolic Office” – Combines both position and function aspects

Biblical Usage

The term ἀποστολή appears strategically in the New Testament, primarily in contexts discussing apostolic authority and divine commissioning. Its usage often emphasizes both the privilege and responsibility of being sent by God for His purposes. The term carries particular weight in passages discussing the legitimacy of apostolic ministry and the scope of divine calling.

In Paul’s writings, the term takes on special significance as he defends his apostolic authority and explains the nature of his calling to the Gentiles. The usage pattern suggests a term that bridges divine appointment with practical ministry implementation.

• “[ἀποστολή] apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place” Acts 1:25
• “Through whom we have received grace and [ἀποστολή] apostleship” Romans 1:5
• “Are you not my work in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my [ἀποστολή] apostleship in the Lord” 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
• “For he who effectually worked for Peter in his [ἀποστολή] apostleship to the circumcised” Galatians 2:8

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of ἀποστολή closely paralleled the role of the שליח (shaliach), a legal representative who carried the full authority of the one who sent them. This Jewish legal principle stated that “a person’s agent is as himself,” meaning the shaliach could act with the full authority of the sender. This cultural background illuminates why the early believers readily understood the authority vested in the apostolic office – it wasn’t just about being sent, but about carrying the full authority of the sender.

The term also resonated with the Greco-Roman practice of imperial legates who carried the emperor’s authority. This dual cultural background – Jewish and Greco-Roman – helped establish the understanding of apostolic authority in the early ecclesia.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποστολή reveals God’s pattern of working through appointed representatives to accomplish His purposes. It demonstrates His sovereignty in selecting and empowering individuals for specific kingdom tasks while also showing His wisdom in establishing proper authority structures within His Body.

The term bridges the gap between divine calling and practical ministry, showing how heavenly authority manifests in earthly service. It reminds us that true spiritual authority comes not from human appointment but divine commissioning, yet this authority is always for service rather than self-exaltation.

This word also points to the Messiah Jesus as the ultimate Apostle (Hebrews 3:1), sent from the Father with all authority in heaven and earth. His ἀποστολή becomes the pattern and source for all subsequent apostolic ministry.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποστολή challenges us to recognize that every believer has a divine commission, though not all are called to apostolic office. It invites us to embrace our specific calling with both humility and confidence, knowing that the One who commissions also empowers.

This understanding should lead us to walk worthy of our calling, recognizing that we represent the King of Kings in our various spheres of influence. Whether in marketplace, ministry, or mission field, we carry divine authority for service, not self-promotion.

Related Words

• ἀπόστολος (apostolos) – “apostle, sent one” – The person who holds the apostolic office See G652
• πέμπω (pempō) – “to send” – A general term for sending, lacking the authority emphasis of ἀποστολή See G3992
• διακονία (diakonia) – “ministry, service” – The practical outworking of divine commission See G1248
• ἐξουσία (exousia) – “authority” – The power and right to act, often associated with apostolic commission See G1849

Did you Know?

• The modern diplomatic term “apostolic nuncio” (papal ambassador) derives from this ancient concept of ἀποστολή, carrying the idea of official representation with full authority.
• In ancient Jewish law, the principle of agency (shelichut) was so strong that a shaliach’s signature on a marriage contract was legally equivalent to the signature of the sender himself – a principle that illuminates the authority contained in ἀποστολή.
• The term ἀποστολή influenced the development of medieval diplomatic immunity concepts, as ambassadors were seen as carrying the full authority of their sending sovereign.

Remember This

ἀποστολή represents not just a sending, but a divine commissioning that carries both the authority of heaven and the responsibility to serve in the pattern of the Messiah.