apostle

apos·tle

noun \ə-ˈpä-səl\

Definition of APOSTLE

1

: one sent on a mission: as a : one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul b : the first prominent Christian missionary to a region or group

2

a : a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system b : an ardent supporter : adherent

3

: the highest ecclesiastical official in some church organizations

4

: one of a Mormon administrative council of 12 men

— apos·tle·ship \-ˌship\ noun

Examples of APOSTLE

1. <a fervent apostle of universal health care>

Origin of APOSTLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Old English; Anglo-French apostle & Old English apostol, both from Late Latin apostolus, from Greek apostolos, from apostellein to send away, from apo- + stellein to send

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to APOSTLE

Synonyms: advocate, advocator, exponent, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight

Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, opponent

Related Words: loyalist, partisan (also partizan), stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; interpreter; applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler

Near Antonyms: enemy, foe, rival; belittler, critic, faultfinder

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Other Bible Terms

antediluvian, apocalyptic, apocrypha, behemoth