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Where does the word "apostle" come from? It comes from Greek apostolos, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1000s).
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Where does the word "apostle" come from? It comes from Greek apostolos, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1000s).
Apostle’s story begins in Greek: apostolos meant “messenger, envoy.” From 'apostellein', to send away. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Late Latin as apostolus. The Twelve disciples sent out by Jesus. It reached English by 1000s as apostle. Later used for any ardent supporter of a cause. Today, apostle means one of Jesus's twelve disciples; a passionate advocate of an idea.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient apostolos "messenger, envoy", from 'apostellein', to send away.
- Stage 2 · Late Latin · ancient apostolus "apostle", the Twelve disciples sent out by Jesus.
- Stage 3 · English · 1000s apostle "a messenger of faith", later used for any ardent supporter of a cause.