1 Timothy 2 (WEB)

Disciples vs Apostles

Word Study· Daniel G Garland
μαθητής mathētḗs ·Strong's G3101ἀπόστολος apóstolos ·Strong's G652

Luke 6:13 indicates that the twelve disciples Jesus chose were also "named as apostles...." But not all disciples were apostles, and not all apostles were among the Twelve.

A disciple is any person who follows another as his student or pupil for the purpose of learning from him, and being like him (Matt 10:25; Luke 6:40). The Pharisees had disciples (Matt 22:16), as did John the Baptist (John 1:35). The Pharisees called themselves disciples of Moses in John 9:28. Even false teachers had disciples, according to Acts 20:30. The disciples of Jesus included large numbers of Jews (Luke 6:17-18), some who later abandoned Him (John 6:66). True disciples of Christ are distinguished from false disciples by their continuation in His word (John 8:31) and bearing spiritual fruit (15:8). In the narrowest sense of the word, "disciples" referred to the Twelve apostles (Matt 10:11; 11:1; 20:17; Luke 9:1).

An apostle, on the other hand, refers to one who is sent with authority to represent the one sending him. While this included the Twelve, it was not limited to them. In fact, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle (Acts 1:26). Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 11:13; 1 Tim 2:7). Acts 14:14 refers to Barnabas, along with Paul, as an apostle in that both men were sent out by the church as missionaries.

1 Timothy 2 (WEB)

1I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men, 2for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time, 7to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. 9In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing, 10but with good works, which is appropriate for women professing godliness. 11Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission. 12But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 15but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with sobriety.

Disciples vs Apostles