Apostle vs. Disciple: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 1, 2023
Apostle refers to a messenger or leader sent on a mission, especially the 12 chosen by Jesus; Disciple means a follower or student of a teacher.
Key Differences
Apostle is a term that carries a specific mission or purpose, especially in a religious context. Disciple, on the other hand, denotes a person who adheres to the teachings and follows the example of a particular leader or teacher.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
While every Apostle can be considered a Disciple because they followed and learned from Jesus, not every Disciple can be deemed an Apostle. The term Apostle has been closely linked to the twelve individuals Jesus specifically chose to carry out certain missions. In contrast, Disciple encompasses a wider group of individuals who followed and learned from Jesus or any other teacher.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Both words, Apostle and Disciple, have evolved in their usage and understanding, but their origins in religious contexts remain evident.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A messenger or leader sent on a mission.
A follower or student of a teacher.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Biblical Reference
Refers specifically to the 12 chosen by Jesus.
Refers to any follower of Jesus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
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Scope
More specific in terms of role and mission.
Broader, can be a follower of any teacher.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
General Use
Can refer to a pioneer in a certain field or movement.
Can denote a devoted adherent in any context.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
Apostle and Disciple Definitions
Apostle
A high-ranking official in certain Christian churches.
The Apostle oversees several congregations in the area.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Disciple
Someone who accepts and spreads the doctrines of another.
As a Disciple of the philosophy, she organized seminars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Apostle
A pioneer in a movement or field.
Elon Musk can be seen as an Apostle of modern space exploration.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Disciple
One who practices discipline or has self-control.
As a Disciple of the art, he practiced every day.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Apostle
A chief proponent of a cause.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an Apostle of civil rights.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Disciple
A member of the Christian group known for following Jesus.
The Disciple dedicated his life to spreading the teachings.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Apostle
One of the 12 primary followers of Jesus.
Paul became an Apostle after Jesus' death and resurrection.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
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Apostle
A person sent on a specific mission.
She was chosen as an Apostle to spread the message across continents.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Apostle
Apostle One of a group made up especially of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the gospel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Disciple
A person who learns from another, especially one who then teaches others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
One of the 12 members of the administrative council in the Mormon Church.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
One who pioneers an important reform movement, cause, or belief
An apostle of conservation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
A missionary, or leader of a religious mission, especially one in the early Christian Church (but see Apostle).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
A pioneer or early advocate of a particular cause, prophet of a belief.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Disciple
To routinely counsel (one's peer or junior) one-on-one in their discipleship of Christ, as a fellow affirmed disciple.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
A top-ranking ecclesiastical official in the twelve seat administrative council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Disciple
One who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in doctrine; as, the disciples of Plato; the disciples of our Savior.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
(legal) A note sent to an appeals court presenting the appeal in summary.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Disciple
To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles.
Sending missionaries to disciple all nations.
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Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
(legal) The trial court record sent to an appeal court concerning an appeal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
Literally: One sent forth; a messenger. Specifically: One of the twelve disciples of Christ, specially chosen as his companions and witnesses, and sent forth to preach the gospel.
He called unto him his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Disciple
An active follower or student of a leader or teacher.
He was a Disciple of the renowned artist.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Apostle
The missionary who first plants the Christian faith in any part of the world; also, one who initiates any great moral reform, or first advocates any important belief; one who has extraordinary success as a missionary or reformer; as, Dionysius of Corinth is called the apostle of France, John Eliot the apostle to the Indians, Theobald Mathew the apostle of temperance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Disciple
A devoted fan or enthusiast.
He was a Disciple of jazz music, attending every concert in town.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Apostle
A brief letter dimissory sent by a court appealed from to the superior court, stating the case, etc.; a paper sent up on appeals in the admiralty courts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
An ardent early supporter of a cause or reform;
An apostle of revolution
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
Any important early teacher of Christianity or a Christian missionary to a people
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Oct 07, 2023
Apostle
(New Testament) one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Can Apostle be used outside of religious contexts?
Yes, it can refer to a pioneer or chief proponent in any field.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
What does the term Apostle primarily refer to?
Apostle refers to a messenger or leader, especially one of the 12 chosen by Jesus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Were all Apostles also Disciples?
Yes, all Apostles were Disciples, but not all Disciples were Apostles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
What is the main difference between an Apostle and a Disciple?
Apostle denotes a sent messenger while Disciple means a follower or student.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Does the term Disciple strictly pertain to religious contexts?
No, while it originates from religious contexts, Disciple can mean a follower of any teacher or doctrine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Can someone be both an Apostle and a Disciple simultaneously?
Yes, for example, the 12 Apostles were also Disciples of Jesus.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
Which term is broader in scope, Apostle or Disciple?
Disciple has a broader scope, encompassing any follower or student.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
Can the term Disciple be used in non-religious contexts?
Yes, it can refer to anyone who follows or studies under another in any field.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Does the term Disciple imply a certain level of commitment?
Yes, a Disciple is typically seen as a devoted follower or student.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
How many Apostles were there in the Bible?
There were 12 primary Apostles chosen by Jesus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Were there female Apostles in the Bible?
While the primary 12 were men, some argue figures like Junia were female Apostles.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
How does one become an Apostle?
Historically, Apostles were chosen by Jesus, but in broader contexts, one can be seen as an Apostle in a field by pioneering or leading it.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
Is Apostle used in modern churches?
Yes, some Christian denominations use the title for high-ranking officials.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Is the role of an Apostle higher than that of a Disciple?
In religious contexts, an Apostle has a specific mission or role, while a Disciple is a general follower.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Do all religions have concepts of Apostles and Disciples?
While the terms originate from Christianity, many religions have similar concepts of leaders and followers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Are the words Apostle and Disciple interchangeable?
No, while they have similarities, they have distinct meanings and roles.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023
Who is the most famous Disciple?
Many might say Peter or John from the Bible, but it's subjective.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023
Can someone today be called an Apostle?
In certain Christian denominations, yes. In broader contexts, it denotes a pioneer or leader in a field.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Is every student a Disciple?
Not necessarily. While every Disciple is a student in some sense, not every student is a devoted follower or adherent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
