What is the difference between a disciple and apostle?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The terms "disciple" and "apostle" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In general, a disciple refers to someone who follows and spreads the teachings of another person; the Greek word for "disciple" refers to a learner. The Greek word for apostle means "one who is sent;" this describes someone who is being sent out with authority from the one who is sending him. A disciple is a follower of Jesus, committed to learning from Him, obeying His Word, and living a life surrendered to God. An apostle, by contrast, is someone specifically sent with authority to establish and lead God’s mission, a role fulfilled in the early church but not continued today. While the office of apostle has ended, all believers are called to be disciples. Discipleship involves growing in Christlikeness and proclaiming the Gospel, helping others to know and follow God too. Discipleship is about being an active participant in God’s mission, living as a witness to His truth and grace wherever He places us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The difference between a disciple and apostle is not found in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament uses the word "disciple" to refer to followers of Jesus Christ, most notably the twelve disciples who assisted Jesus in His ministry (Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:12–16; John 1:35–51).
• Jesus' final instruction to His followers was to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20). All who put their faith in Jesus are to be His disciples.
• To be an apostle, one must have been with Jesus during His ministry, seen Him after His resurrection, and been empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and signs (Mark 3:13–19; Luke 9:1–5; Acts 1:21). Today, there are no apostles in this sense of the word, but some sects of the church may call certain people "apostles" based on the work they are doing for the church.
• The Bible identifies eleven of Jesus’ original disciples as apostles, including Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, and Simon (Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:14–19). Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and later hung himself, so he is not considered an apostle. Judas was replaced among the Twelve by Matthias (Acts 1:26).
• All of the original apostles except John, were martyred. Revelation says that their twelve names will be written on the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14).
• Paul was an apostle. His apostleship is a bit of an exception in that he was not with Jesus during His ministry but was later chosen by Jesus with a special mission to spread the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 26:14–18; Romans 1:1).
• The Bible also labels Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6–9), Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6), and Silas (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6) as apostles. Galatians 1:9 refers to James, the half-brother of Jesus, as an apostle as well.
• The word "apostle" is used, seemingly in the more general sense of "messenger," for Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25) and at least another two people who are left unnamed (2 Corinthians 8:23). Some scholars also say that Andronicus and Junia were apostles (Romans 16:7).
• Hebrews 3:1 calls Jesus an apostle who was sent by and with the authority of God.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While Christians today are not apostles in the biblical sense—those personally commissioned by Jesus to establish the early church and perform signs and miracles—we are all called to be disciples and are sent out to proclaim Him wherever we go. As disciples, we actively follow Jesus, learning and living in obedience to God’s Word. We live in a way that honors Him and actively partner with the Holy Spirit to grow us into Christlikeness in faith, character, and understanding of God’s will. As disciples, we are called to share the Gospel with others, mentoring, guiding, and encouraging people in their walk with Christ. Our everyday actions—how we work, serve, and care for others—can reflect discipleship and Christlikeness when done with a heart surrendered to God. Discipleship is the universal call for all believers: we all have a role in God’s mission, not just a select few like the apostles. Living as a disciple calls us to actively participate in God’s redemptive work, bringing His love and truth into every friendship, home, workplace, and neighborhood we are a part of.

UNDERSTAND

• A disciple is a follower of Jesus while an apostle is a disciple specifically sent with authority to advance God’s mission.
• The apostle office was unique to the early church and included performing miracles and leading the spread of the Gospel.
• All believers are called to be disciples, actively living for God and sharing the Gospel.

REFLECT

• How are you actively living as a disciple of Jesus?
• How are you intentionally helping others grow in their faith, sharing God’s truth and love with those around you?
• What does it practically look like to partner with the Holy Spirit to grow in Christlikeness?

ENGAGE

• How is discipleship a lifestyle rather than just a Sunday activity?
• In what practical ways can we reflect God’s mission and love in everyday interactions?
• How can we mentor, guide, or support others in their journey to becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus?