ἀποστολή

commission, duty of apostle, apostleship

Definition

ἀποστολή refers to the office, authority, or mission of an apostle. It denotes the specific commission given by Christ to His chosen messengers, entrusting them with the authority to preach the gospel and establish the church. In Acts 1:25, it describes the apostolic office that Judas forfeited, which was then filled by Matthias. In Paul's letters (Romans 1:5, 1 Corinthians 9:2, Galatians 2:8), the term emphasizes the divine authority and grace-given mission he received directly from Christ, particularly to the Gentiles.

Biblical Usage

The word is used four times in the New Testament, always in contexts emphasizing divine authorization. In Acts 1:25, it refers to the specific office among the Twelve. In the epistles (Romans 1:5, 1 Corinthians 9:2, Galatians 2:8), Paul uses it to defend and describe his own God-given authority and mission to preach the gospel, especially to non-Jewish peoples. The usage consistently connects the role to a commissioning by Jesus Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, G649), meaning 'to send out or away.' The noun ἀποστολή is formed from the prefix ἀπό (apo, 'from') and the root related to sending (στέλλω, stellō). It literally means 'a sending away' or 'a dispatch,' evolving to signify a commissioned mission or office. The related noun ἀπόστολος (apostolos, G652) means 'one who is sent,' i.e., an envoy or messenger.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the foundation of the church. It denotes the unique, authoritative commission given by the risen Christ to specific individuals, establishing the apostolic office as the authoritative source of the gospel message and church doctrine. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that apostleship is not a human appointment but a divine commissioning with specific authority, central to the New Testament's claim of revealed truth.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a commissioned envoy (apostolos) with the full authority of the sender was familiar. However, the New Testament imbues ἀποστολή with a uniquely divine and Christocentric authority, setting the Christian apostles apart from mere messengers. Their commission came directly from Jesus, granting them unique foundational authority in the early church.

διακονία (diakonia, G1248) — emphasizes service or ministry, often more general; χάρισμα (charisma, G5486) — a spiritual gift, broader than the specific office; κλῆσις (klēsis, G2821) — a calling, which may precede or accompany the apostolic commission.

Word Details

Scripture References