Apostles vs. Disciples: Clearing the Confusion

“

What is the basic definition of an apostle versus a disciple?

To understand the difference between an apostle and a disciple, we must look to the example of Jesus Christ and the early Church. At its core, a disciple is a follower and student of a teacher or master. In the Christian context, disciples are those who follow Jesus, learn from His teachings, and strive to imitate His life of love and service.

The word “disciple” comes from the Latin “discipulus,” meaning student or learner. We are all called to be disciples of Christ, to open our hearts to His message and allow it to transform our lives. As Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples” (John 8:31). Discipleship is a lifelong journey of growing in faith, understanding, and obedience to God’s will.

An apostle, on the other hand, has a more specific role and calling. The term “apostle” comes from the Greek “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent out.” While all apostles were first disciples, not all disciples became apostles. Apostles were chosen and commissioned by Jesus to be His representatives, to spread the Gospel, and to establish and lead the early Church.

The apostles had a unique authority and responsibility. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection, and were entrusted with the task of sharing this Good News with the world. As St. Paul wrote, “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

It’s important to remember that both disciples and apostles play crucial roles in the life of the Church. While the apostles had a special mission, all of us are called to be disciples, to grow in our faith, and to share the love of Christ with others. I often remind the faithful that we are all missionary disciples, called to bring the joy of the Gospel to every corner of the world.

A disciple is a follower and learner, while an apostle is one specifically sent out with a mission. Both are vital to the life and growth of the Church, and both require a deep commitment to Christ and His teachings. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful disciples and, in our own way, apostles of Christ’s love in the world today.

How many apostles were there compared to disciples?

When we consider the number of apostles compared to disciples, we must remember that these numbers reflect not just statistics, but the beautiful tapestry of faith and community that Jesus wove during His earthly ministry.

Let us begin with the apostles. The Gospels tell us that Jesus chose twelve apostles, a number rich in symbolism, recalling the twelve tribes of Israel. These men were Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John the sons of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. After Judas’s betrayal, Matthias was chosen to take his place, maintaining the number at twelve (Acts 1:26).

But we must not limit our understanding of apostleship to only these twelve. The New Testament also recognizes others as apostles, most notably Paul, who referred to himself as “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 1:1). Barnabas, too, is called an apostle (Acts 14:14), as are James the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19) and possibly others.

When it comes to disciples, the number is much larger and less defined. Jesus had many followers who could be considered disciples. The Gospels mention a group of seventy (or seventy-two) disciples whom Jesus sent out to preach (Luke 10:1-24). But beyond this, there were countless others who followed Jesus, learned from Him, and sought to live according to His teachings.

We read in the Acts of the Apostles that after Jesus’ ascension, the number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly. At Pentecost alone, about three thousand people were baptized and added to their number (Acts 2:41). The community of disciples continued to grow, spreading beyond Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

It’s important to understand that while the number of apostles was limited, the call to discipleship is universal. Jesus invites all people to follow Him, to learn from Him, and to live in His love. As I often say, the Church is not an exclusive club for the few, but a home with open doors for all who seek God.

In our modern context, we might say that while there were dozens of apostles, there were thousands of disciples in the early Church, and now there are millions of disciples around the world. Each of us, through our baptism, is called to be a disciple of Christ, to grow in faith and to share that faith with others.

Let us not get caught up in numbers, but rather focus on the quality of our discipleship. Are we truly following Christ? Are we learning from His word and example? Are we allowing His love to transform our lives and the lives of those around us? These are the questions that matter most.

Remember, whether we count ourselves among the many or the few, what matters most is that we count ourselves as belonging to Christ, striving each day to be His faithful disciples in the world.

What special roles or authority did apostles have that disciples did not?

When we consider the special roles and authority of the apostles, we must remember that their calling was not for their own glory, but for the service of God’s people and the spreading of the Gospel.

The apostles were chosen by Jesus Himself and given a unique mission. As we read in the Gospel of Mark, “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14-15). This personal selection by Christ gave the apostles a special authority and responsibility.

The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. This firsthand experience gave them a unique ability to testify to the truth of the Gospel. As Peter proclaimed, “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem” (Acts 10:39). This role as witnesses was crucial in the early spread of Christianity.

Another key aspect of the apostles’ authority was their role in establishing and leading the early Church. We see this clearly in the Acts of the Apostles, where they make important decisions, settle disputes, and provide guidance to the growing community of believers. For example, it was the apostles who decided how to address the issue of Gentile converts and the Jewish law (Acts 15).

The apostles also had a special role in teaching and interpreting Jesus’ message. They were entrusted with the task of faithfully transmitting Christ’s teachings and applying them to new situations. As Paul wrote, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

The apostles were given the authority to perform miracles as a sign of God’s power working through them. We read numerous accounts in Acts of the apostles healing the sick and even raising the dead, always in the name of Jesus Christ.

The apostles also had a unique role in the formation of Scripture. Their teachings and writings, guided by the Holy Spirit, became the foundation of the New Testament. As the Church teaches, the apostles “handed on, by the spoken word of their preaching, by the example they gave, by the institutions they established, what they themselves had received” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 76).

Lastly, the apostles had a special authority to confer the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, a practice we continue today in the sacrament of Confirmation. We see this in Acts 8:14-17, where Peter and John lay hands on the Samaritan believers so they might receive the Holy Spirit.

It’s important to note, But that while the apostles had these special roles and authority, they were not set apart for their own sake, but for the building up of the entire Body of Christ. As Paul reminds us, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

While we honor the unique role of the apostles, let us remember that we are all called to be disciples, to grow in faith, and to share the love of Christ with others. The authority given to the apostles was ultimately an authority of service, a model for all of us as we seek to follow Christ and build up His Church in our own time and place.

Can someone be both an apostle and a disciple?

This question touches on the very heart of our Christian vocation. The answer is a resounding yes – one can be both an apostle and a disciple. In fact, I would say that to be a true apostle, one must first and always remain a disciple.

Let us look to the example of the first apostles. Before Jesus called them to be apostles, they were His disciples. They followed Him, learned from Him, and grew in their faith. Even after being commissioned as apostles, they continued to learn and grow in their understanding of Christ’s message and mission.

Consider Peter, the rock upon which Christ built His Church. Peter was both a devoted disciple and a commissioned apostle. He learned at the feet of Jesus, made mistakes, received correction, and continued to grow in faith and understanding even as he led the early Church. His journey reminds us that being an apostle does not mean one has “arrived” spiritually, but rather that one has been given a particular mission while continuing on the path of discipleship.

Paul, too, exemplifies this dual role. Though not one of the original twelve, Paul became an apostle through his encounter with the risen Christ. Yet he never ceased to be a disciple, constantly seeking to know Christ more deeply. As he wrote to the Philippians, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). This is the heart of discipleship, even for one as prominent as the Apostle Paul.

In our own lives, we are all called to be disciples – followers of Christ who continually learn from Him and seek to imitate His love and service. Some are also called to apostolic roles, to be “sent out” in special ways to share the Gospel and build up the Church. But even those in leadership positions in the Church – bishops, priests, religious, and lay leaders – must always remain disciples at heart.

I often speak of the need for the Church to be a “field hospital,” reaching out to heal the wounds of our broken world. In this mission, we are all called to be both disciples and apostles. We are disciples as we continually learn from Christ and grow in our faith. We are apostles as we go out into the world, sharing the love and mercy of God with all we encounter.

Remember, that Jesus’ final command to His disciples was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In this Great Commission, we see the intertwining of discipleship and apostleship. We are sent out (as apostles) to help others become disciples.

Let us not think of these roles as mutually exclusive or as a hierarchy where apostleship is somehow “above” discipleship. Rather, let us see them as complementary aspects of our Christian life. We are always disciples, always learning, always growing closer to Christ. And we are always, in our own ways, apostles – sent out to share the Good News with a world in need of hope and love.

In your own life, I encourage you to nurture both these aspects. Deepen your discipleship through prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in the sacraments. And embrace your apostolic call by finding ways to share your faith, serve others, and build up the Body of Christ.

May we all, like Mary, be both faithful disciples who ponder God’s word in our hearts, and courageous apostles who proclaim, “My soul magnifies the Lord” to all the world.

Are there apostles and disciples today in the modern church?

This question invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of the Church and our own roles within it. The answer, I believe, is both simple and powerful: yes, there are both apostles and disciples in the modern Church, though perhaps not in the exact same form as in the early Christian community.

Let us first consider disciples. In truth, all of us who follow Christ are called to be His disciples. Discipleship is not limited to a select few or to a particular time in history. Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me,” echoes through the centuries and reaches each of us today. To be a disciple means to learn from Christ, to imitate His love, and to grow in faith and understanding. In this sense, the Church today is filled with millions of disciples around the world, each striving to live out their faith in their daily lives.

But what about apostles? This is where we must broaden our understanding. While we do not have apostles today in the same sense as the original twelve chosen by Jesus, the apostolic mission continues in the Church. The bishops, as successors to the apostles, carry on their mission of teaching, sanctifying, and governing. They are, in a very real sense, apostles for our time, charged with preserving and passing on the faith, and leading the Church in its mission to evangelize the world.

But we must not limit our understanding of the apostolic mission to the hierarchy alone. Vatican II reminded us that all the baptized share in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices. In this light, we can see that all Christians are called to participate in the apostolic mission of the Church, each according to their particular vocation and gifts.

Consider the many ways in which ordinary Catholics live out this apostolic calling today:

• Missionaries who leave their homes to share the Gospel in far-off lands
• Catechists who teach the faith to children and adults
• Parents who pass on the faith to their children
• Social workers and volunteers who embody Christ’s love for the poor and marginalized
• Artists and writers who use their talents to illuminate the beauty of God’s truth
• Scientists and scholars who explore God’s creation and help us understand it better

Each of these, in their own way, is living out the apostolic mission of the Church. They are “sent out” (the literal meaning of “apostle”) to bring Christ’s love and truth to the world.

In our increasingly interconnected world, social media and digital technologies have opened up new avenues for apostolic work. Many faithful are using these platforms to share their faith, offer encouragement, and engage in dialogue about the meaning of life and the truths of our faith.

It’s important to remember that being an apostle in today’s world doesn’t necessarily mean holding an official position or title. It means living out our baptismal call to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). It means being willing to share our faith with others, to give witness to the joy and hope that come from knowing Christ.

At the same time, we must always remain disciples, continually learning and growing in our faith. The two roles – disciple and apostle – are not separate but deeply interconnected. We are always both learning from Christ and sharing what we have learned with others.

I encourage you to embrace both your identity as a disciple of Christ and your mission as an apostle in today’s world. Seek to grow in your faith through prayer, study, and participation in the sacraments. And look for opportunities to share that faith with others, through your words and, even more importantly, through your actions of love and service. As you navigate the challenges of life, remember that your journey inspires those around you. Offer heartfelt prayers for discipleship not only for yourself but also for others who seek to deepen their faith. Together, we can create a community rooted in love, support, and active service to one another.

Remember, the Church needs both faithful disciples and courageous apostles. In your own unique way, you are called to be both. May God give you the grace to respond generously to this calling, for the building up of the Church and the transformation of our world.

What did Jesus teach about the roles of apostles versus disciples?

Jesus called many to follow him as disciples, but from among them he chose twelve to be apostles. This distinction is major. As we read in the Gospel of Luke, “When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles” (Luke 6:13).(Jesus as Teacher in the Gospel of Matthew, 2023)

The role of disciple was one of learning and following. Jesus invited all who would listen to become his disciples – to learn from him, to imitate his way of life, and to carry his message to others. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me,” Jesus taught (Luke 9:23). This call to discipleship was open to all.

The apostles, But were given a special commission and authority. Jesus “gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2). The very word “apostle” means “one who is sent.” They were to be the foundational leaders and witnesses of the Church.

To the apostles Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:22-23). This indicates a unique authority given to the apostles.

Yet we must remember, that Jesus called both apostles and disciples to the same fundamental vocation – to love God and neighbor, to proclaim the Good News, and to make disciples of all nations. The apostles had a leadership role, but all were to participate in the mission of the Church according to their gifts.

How did the early church distinguish between apostles and disciples?

In the early Church we see a gradual development in how the terms “apostle” and “disciple” were understood and applied. In the book of Acts and the letters of Paul, we find insights into how the first Christians viewed these roles.

Initially, the term “apostle” referred specifically to the Twelve chosen by Jesus, with Matthias replacing Judas (Acts 1:26). These men were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry and resurrection. As Peter declared, a requirement for an apostle was that he had “been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us” (Acts 1:21-22).(Hermina, 2023)

But we see the term “apostle” expanded somewhat to include Paul, who encountered the risen Christ in a vision, and perhaps others like Barnabas (Acts 14:14). Paul defended his apostleship, saying, “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1).

The early Church recognized the unique authority of the apostles. We read that the believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). The apostles performed many signs and wonders (Acts 5:12), and when a controversy arose, it was the apostles who gathered to make a decision for the whole Church (Acts 15).

“Disciple,” meanwhile, became a general term for all believers. In Acts we read that “the number of disciples was increasing” (Acts 6:1), referring to the growing community of Christians. All who believed in Christ were considered his disciples.

Yet, we must not think of this as a rigid hierarchy. The early Church was a community of mutual service and shared mission. As Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each member had a role to play in building up the Church and spreading the Gospel.

The distinction between apostles and disciples reminds us that while we have different roles in the Church, we are all called to follow Christ and participate in his mission. Let us embrace our calling as disciples with humility, and respect the teaching authority passed down from the apostles, as we work together to build God’s kingdom.

What did the Church Fathers teach about apostles and disciples?

The Church Fathers, those early Christian leaders and theologians who followed after the apostles, reflected deeply on the roles of apostles and disciples in the life of the Church. Their teachings help us understand how the early Christian community viewed these important distinctions.

The Church Fathers emphasized the unique role of the apostles as eyewitnesses to Christ and founders of the Church. Irenaeus, writing in the 2nd century, stressed the importance of apostolic succession, saying that the apostles had entrusted the Church to the bishops as their successors. He wrote, “We can enumerate those who were appointed by the apostles as bishops in the churches, and their successors down to our own time.”(Langhu, 2022)

Clement of Rome, writing even earlier, around 95 AD, spoke of how the apostles had appointed leaders in every place where they preached, ensuring the continuity of the Church’s ministry. He emphasized that this was done “with the full knowledge of Christ.”(Staniforth & Louth, 1968)

Yet the Fathers also recognized that all Christians were called to be disciples of Christ. Origen, in the 3rd century, wrote extensively on discipleship, emphasizing that to be a true disciple meant not just learning Christ’s teachings, but imitating his life and carrying one’s cross.

The Fathers saw the apostles as models of discipleship for all believers. John Chrysostom, preaching in the 4th century, often exhorted his congregation to imitate the apostles in their zeal, their love for Christ, and their willingness to suffer for the Gospel.(Thompson, 2019, pp. 41–56)

Importantly, the Fathers did not see the distinction between apostles and disciples as creating a hierarchy of holiness. All were called to the same fundamental vocation of love and service. As Augustine beautifully expressed it, “What does it mean to be a disciple? It means to be a learner. And what are we to learn? To follow Christ.”

The Fathers also recognized the ongoing role of apostolic ministry in the Church, not limited to the original Twelve. They saw bishops and priests as continuing the apostolic mission, while emphasizing that all believers shared in the responsibility of witnessing to Christ.

Are women ever referred to as apostles or disciples in the Bible?

This is an important question that touches on the role of women in the early Church and our understanding of discipleship and apostleship. Let us approach this with open hearts, seeking to understand what Scripture reveals to us.

In the Gospels, we see that Jesus had many women among his followers. Luke tells us of “Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources” (Luke 8:2-3). These women were clearly disciples of Jesus, learning from him and supporting his ministry.(Sugiharto & Sirait, 2022)

At the crucifixion, when many of the male disciples had fled, it was women who remained faithful. The Gospels record that women were the first witnesses to the resurrection, commissioned by the risen Christ to tell the other disciples. In this sense, they functioned as “apostles to the apostles,” bearing the news of the resurrection.(Mensah, 2022)

In the early Church, we see women playing major roles. In Acts, we read of Priscilla, who along with her husband Aquila, instructed Apollos in “the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). This suggests a teaching role for women in the early Christian community.

Most notably, in Romans 16:7, Paul refers to a woman named Junia as “outstanding among the apostles.” While there has been debate over the translation and interpretation of this verse, many scholars believe it indicates that Junia was considered an apostle in the early Church.(Reimer, 1995)

We also see women referred to as disciples. In Acts 9:36, we read of “a disciple named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas).” This is a clear instance of a woman being explicitly called a disciple.

These passages suggest that in the early Church, the roles of disciple and even apostle were not limited by gender. Women played vital roles in following Jesus, spreading the Gospel, and building up the Christian community.

But we must be careful not to impose our modern categories onto the ancient text. The early Church was navigating complex cultural and social realities as it sought to live out the radical equality proclaimed in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

How should understanding the difference impact Christians today?

Let us remember that we are all called to be disciples of Christ. This is the fundamental vocation of every Christian – to follow Jesus, to learn from him, and to imitate his life of love and service. As disciples, we are continually in a process of formation, growing in our faith and understanding. This calls us to humility and openness, always ready to learn and be transformed by Christ’s teaching and example.(Richard, 2021)

At the same time, we are all called to be “apostolic” in the sense of being sent into the world to share the Good News. As Jesus said to his disciples after the resurrection, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). This apostolic dimension of our faith challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones, to be witnesses to Christ in our families, workplaces, and communities.

Understanding the special role of the apostles in founding the Church helps us appreciate the importance of tradition and apostolic succession. It reminds us that our faith is not something we have invented, but a precious gift handed down to us. This should inspire in us a deep respect for the teachings of the Church and a desire to remain in communion with the successors of the apostles.

Yet, let us not fall into the trap of thinking that only those in ordained ministry have an apostolic role. The Second Vatican Council reminded us of the universal call to holiness and mission. All the baptized share in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices. We are all called to participate in the Church’s mission according to our gifts and state in life.(Hill, 2020)

The example of women disciples and apostles in the early Church challenges us to ensure that all members of the Church, regardless of gender, are empowered to use their gifts in service of the Gospel. We must work to overcome any unjust discrimination and to recognize the vital contribution of women to the life and mission of the Church.

Finally, understanding these distinctions should deepen our sense of unity in diversity within the Church. As Paul taught, we are one body with many parts, each with its own function but all working together for the common good (1 Corinthians 12). Let us celebrate the variety of vocations and ministries within the Church, while remembering that we are all united in the fundamental call to follow Christ and to make him known to the world.

May this understanding inspire us to embrace more fully our identity as disciples of Christ and our mission as his witnesses in the world. Let us go forth with joy, confident in the power of the Holy Spirit, to build up the Church and to spread the love of God to all we meet.