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Apostolus Meaning

Latin Word: Apostolus

English Meaning and Origin: The Latin word “apostolus” translates to “apostle” in English, which generally means a messenger or one sent on a mission. The term specifically refers to the early followers of Jesus who were sent to preach the gospel. The word derives from the Greek “ἀπόστολος” (apostolos), which means “one who is sent away.”

Usage Examples:

  1. Exemplum: “Apostolus Petrus fuit.”
    Translation: “Peter was an apostle.”

    • This sentence illustrates the role of Peter as one of the principal disciples of Jesus.

  2. Exemplum: “Apostoli ad gentes missi sunt.”
    Translation: “The apostles were sent to the nations.”

    • This is a reflection of the mission of the apostles to spread Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

Morphological Details: “Apostolus” is a masculine noun of the second declension. Below are its singular and plural forms:

In terms of verb forms, “apostolus” itself is a noun and does not have verb conjugations.

Etymology: The etymological root of “apostolus” comes from the Greek word “ἀπόστολος” (apostolos), which is a combination of “ἀπό” (apo), meaning “from” or “away,” and “στέλλω” (stellō), meaning “to send.” Thus, the literal translation is “one who is sent away.”

Over time, early Christians adopted the term “apostolus” to describe the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus and later others such as Paul, who played an essential role in establishing and spreading Christianity.

Synonyms and Related Words:

These related terms share the theme of sending or delegating.

Historical Context and Areas of Usage: The term “apostolus” is primarily used in Christian theological contexts. In the New Testament of the Bible, which was originally written in Greek, the apostles were primarily the key figures in the foundation of the Christian church. Many of the writings and letters attributed to the apostles themselves or to early church leaders would refer back to the concept of being sent on a divine mission.

In classical Latin literature, the term may not appear frequently outside of the context of early Christian writings. Nevertheless, it is significant in ecclesiastical Latin and has remained in use through the ages, especially in church liturgy and theology.

Modern English Usage: The term “apostle” continues to have several meanings in modern English:

  1. It refers to the original apostles of Christianity.
  2. It can denote any important early preacher or advocate for a particular doctrine (e.g., “apostles of peace”).
  3. In some contexts, it is used figuratively to describe someone who spreads a particular message (e.g., “an apostle of environmental awareness”).

In addition, the word has informed various denominations and orders within Christianity, where the role of an “apostle” may denote leadership and evangelistic missions.

  1. Latin: Apostolus Paulus multa epistula scripsit.
    English: The Apostle Paul wrote many letters.

  2. Latin: Apostoli Christi in mundo evangelium praedicaverunt.
    English: The apostles of Christ preached the gospel in the world.

  3. Latin: Discipuli facti sunt apostoli post resurrectionem Iesu.
    English: The disciples became apostles after the resurrection of Jesus.

  4. Latin: Apostolus Petrus primus inter apostolos habetur.
    English: The Apostle Peter is considered the first among the apostles.

  5. Latin: Multi credentes sequuntur doctrinam apostolorum.
    English: Many believers follow the teachings of the apostles.