Etymology Map
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Apostle

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means one of Jesus's twelve disciples; a passionate advocate of an idea

Where does the word "apostle" come from? It comes from Greek apostolos, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1000s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
apostolos
Greek · ancient
"messenger, envoy"
from 'apostellein', to send away
2
Stage 2 of 3
apostolus
Late Latin · ancient
"apostle"
the Twelve disciples sent out by Jesus
3
Stage 3 of 3
apostle
English · 1000s
"a messenger of faith"
later used for any ardent supporter of a cause
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Read the full story

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.