A little Biblical history and perspective first.
First and foremost is Jesus Christ -
Heb 3:1Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
There is the Original 12:
- Simon (Peter)
- Andrew (his brother)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (his brother)
- Philip
- Bartholomew (Nathanael)
- Thomas (Didymus)
- Matthew (the tax collector/Levi)
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus (Judas son of James, also called Jude or Lebbaeus)
- Simon (the Zealot/Cananite)
- Judas Iscariot (the betrayer, later replaced)
Judas was replaced by Matthias - After Judas Iscariot's death, Matthias was chosen by lot to replace him and is explicitly numbered "with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26). He is therefore referred to as an apostle. They held a unique position (role) in the Gospels -
Rev 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The Reader will notice that the writers of their Gospels - Luke and Mark were not part of the 12. - yet many refer to them as Apostles
Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
The reader will note that the 12 were called disciples when they were with Christ and Apostles when they were sent out -
Keep reading:
Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done.
Same 12 people - their titles changed from disciple to apostle because they were sent out on a specific journey.
Luke 10:10 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
EXACTLY the same direction from the Lord - EXACTLY the same authority and results.
Apostle - transliterated - apostolos - a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers):—apostle, messenger, he that is sent.
Then there is Paul - an Apostle to the Gentiles
Barnabus - Acts 14:4 But when
the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out
James - Gal 1:19 19 But I saw none of the other
apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
None will ever be to the level of the 12 -
But there are numbers called by God and sent who bear the Title Apostle who preached the Gospel, cast out demons and healed the sick.
When I think of modern times, I think of Dr. Billy Graham, who preached the Gospel to over 1 billion people - ministered to Kings and President, who's ministry saw tens of millions come to Christ for Salvation.