- any of the early followers of Jesus who carried the Christian message into the world:Not all of Jesus’ followers named in the New Testament are considered apostles, but Paul, Barnabas, and Mary Magdalene certainly meet the criteria.
- in the Bible, any of the original 12 disciples called by Jesus to preach the gospel: Simon Peter, the brothers James and John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot.
- the first or the best-known Christian missionary in any region or country.St. Patrick and Palladius have both been dubbed “the apostle of Ireland.”
- one of the 70 disciples of Jesus.
- the title of the highest ecclesiastical official in certain Protestant sects.
- one of the 12 administrative officials of the Mormon Church.
- a pioneer of any new system or cause, especially an early leader in a reform movement: He has emerged as an apostle of a new era of peace and national unity.
- a loyal supporter or follower: Our company’s apostles are motivated by the service they can render for the good of the organization.
- a knighthead, especially one having its top projecting and used as a bitt or bollard.
- one of the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel
- any prominent Christian missionary, esp one who first converts a nation or people
- an ardent early supporter of a cause, reform movement, etc
- a member of a council of twelve officials appointed to administer and preside over the Church
