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Apostle

Topics · Updated 2026-05-07

The term "apostle" — one sent on a mission with delegated authority — is applied in the UPDV both to Jesus himself and to those commissioned in his name. The broadest use is christological: Hebrews calls the community to "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, [even] Jesus" (Heb 3:1), presenting Jesus as the definitive sent one who stands behind every subsequent apostolic commission.

Jesus as the Apostle

Heb 3:1 is the only place in the UPDV where the title is applied directly to Jesus. The verse pairs it with "High Priest," placing apostolic sending and priestly intercession in the same person. The address to "holy brothers, sharers of a heavenly calling" situates the title within the community's shared confession.

Paul's Apostleship

Paul's letters open with the title consistently, grounding his commission in divine appointment rather than human authorization. He writes that he is "an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)" (Gal 1:1). The same claim appears across his correspondence: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God" (2Co 1:1; Col 1:1; Eph 1:1; 2Ti 1:1). In Romans he identifies himself as "a called apostle, separated to the good news of God" (Rom 1:1).

Paul defends the legitimacy of this commission when it is challenged. He asks pointedly, "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you⁺ my work in the Lord?" (1Co 9:1), appealing to the resurrection appearance and the fruit of his ministry as joint proofs. He simultaneously holds the title with humility: "I am the least of the apostles, who am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1Co 15:9).

The scope of his commission is explicitly directed toward the nations: "Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my service" (Rom 11:13). And in defending that scope against competing claims, he asserts he is "not a bit behind the very chiefest apostles" (2Co 11:5).