The Definition of an Apostle

Dr. Ray Pritchard Author, Speaker, President of Keep Believing Ministries
Updated Jul 15, 2020

“Consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession” (Hebrews 3:1).

Jesus the apostle. It doesn’t sound quite right to us because we’re used to thinking of Paul the apostle or James the apostle. This is the only time Jesus is called an apostle.

The word itself means “one sent as a messenger.” When applied to the twelve apostles, it means that they were chosen by Jesus and sent into the world in his name and bearing his message. When applied to Jesus, it means that he was sent from the Father to be the Savior of the world. We can see this clearly in John 3:17, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

When Charles Spear wrote on this title, he said that the word “apostle” implies three things:

1. You must be sent by someone else.

2. You must be sent on a particular mission.

3. You must be sent with sufficient power to accomplish the mission.

See how perfectly Christ fits this description. He was sent by the Father in heaven. He was sent to be the Savior of the world. He was sent with all the prerogatives of deity clothed in human flesh. We all know of grand human projects that never came to fruition. Sometimes there is not enough money. Sometimes the plan is voted down. Sometimes the project fails because of lack of knowledge. We may have the means but not the power or the opposition may be too great. But Jesus was the Great Finisher. He completed the work the Father sent him to do. We are going to heaven because Christ our Apostle did not fail in his holy mission of redemption. Shall the one who laid the cornerstone of the universe be unable to provide salvation for his people? It is impossible.

The Father sent the Son, and the Son finished the work the Father sent him to do. Lord Jesus, as the Father sent you, you now send us to every nation with the Good News. May we be faithful to tell others that you are the one and only Savior of the world. Amen.

[Content provided by Keep Believing Ministries]