The True Meaning Of Apostle

Despite not given an actual meaning in the bible, the truth concerning apostleship is implied in various books of the new testament. But I would be standing on one of the scripture, which is Revelation chapter 21:14,

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb

From that, 'apostle' was implied to mean foundation. Jesus called twelve men whom he named Apostles- foundations. The ministry is a spiritual building- A building of faith. Apostles begin the work and Christ is the head of the building (owns the building, the faith).



Apostle is the first among the five faith, or ministerial gifts given by Christ to the churches according to Ephesians 4: 11. Their work is to guide the church unto perfection. They are senior in the churches (1 Corinthians 12:28).   An apostle is mostly known by his deeper understanding about Christ and the church. Paul was know for his outstanding revelation about the mysteries of Christ and the church. Since revelation is the understanding of deep things, Paul and other apostles were able to teach the word with exceeding grace and power with infallible proofs.



There are two categories of apostle:
1. Apostles to the Jews
2. Apostles to the Gentiles.




Apostle to the Jews

These are the twelve men selected by Christ to preach the gospel to the Jews (Matthew 10). They are to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. They are only twelve in number and none of these apostles are living to this day, that's why they are also known as the twelve. According to Revelation chapter 21 verse 14, these twelve men (Judas being replaced by Mathias) represents the twelve foundations in the new Jerusalem.




Apostles to the Gentiles

These are apostles are sent to the Gentiles, or other nations outside the Jewish nation. Paul is a typical example of such an Apostle. Any present day apostle fall into this category.




Conclusion

Apostle is a gift with deeper understanding about the perfect church. Without a perfect church we can't have a saint, for perfection is a huge task which takes great wisdom to accomplish. We are in the end of times and we need to known what the Spirit is saying to the churches- this is an apostolic calling.  God blesses you!