apostle
UK: əˈpɒs.əl | US: əˈpɑː.səl
n. 1. A passionate advocate or pioneer of a belief or movement.
n. 2. (Christianity) One of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings.
n. 3. A high-ranking missionary or leader in early Christianity.
The word "apostle" originates from the Greek "apóstolos" (ἀπόστολος), meaning "one sent forth." It combines "apo-" (away, from) and "-stolos" (derived from "stéllein," to send). The term originally described messengers or emissaries, later specialized in Christianity to denote the twelve disciples commissioned by Jesus. The morpheme "apo-" emphasizes separation (being sent away), while "-stle" reflects the act of sending—a logical pairing for a delegated authority.
Paul became a key apostle after his conversion on the road to Damascus.
She was an apostle of environmental sustainability long before it became mainstream.
The apostle traveled extensively to establish new churches.
His writings as an apostle shaped early Christian doctrine.
Modern reformers are often called apostles of social justice.