Use of the title Apostle

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Not actually sure this is in the correct forum, but…

In the course of conversations with various Non-Catholics, I’ve found that use of the title ‘Apostle’ by ministers is a somewhat contentious topic. Based on my limited knowledge of the subject, Apostles in the classic biblical sense are strictly defined as the men that walked with Jesus during his ministry.

I’m guessing this is why some turn their nose up at others that currently use the title?

As far as I know, we Catholics don’t use the title (though I’m not sure why - anyone wanna shed some light on this?).

Just curious, really.
 
As far as I know, the only ones that were true Apostles were those that were chosen directly by Jesus, and were given authority over the rest of the flock, by Him. They later became the first Bishops of the early Church. I think the major distinction was that they were given their position directly by Jesus, Himself. They were the foundation of His Church. I don’t think anyone else would ever be qualified to use that title, for that reason. Some people might think they qualify if they decide to start a new church, but they really don’t.
 
St. Paul was considered the Apostle to the Gentiles though he never physically met or learned from Jesus, but through apparitions confirmed by St. Peter. Scripture also refers to St. Barnabas, Andronicus and Junia, Silus, Timothy, and Apollos as apostles.

The Catholic Church refers to the Vatican as the “Apsotolic See” and the college of bishops as the “Apostolic College”. The catechism says “The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the Twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ’s return.” (CCC 1577) Furthermore, in general terms the “Apostolate” includes both ordained ministers and laity (CCC 864)–the whole body of believers are “called out” to share the Gospel and execise the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Church calls St. Mary Magdalene the “Apostle to the Apostles” since she told them about the resurrection. In the Eastern Church she is called “Equal to the Apostles”. Those called “Equal to the Apostles” were usually evangelistic pioneers who brought Christ to a new area. St. Mary Magdalene also has this title since she was a “proto-evangelist” after seeing the resurrected Jesus. St. Helena, Sts. Cyril & Methodios, St. Vladimir, St. Sava of Serbia, are just a few.

Similarly in the Roman Church we have many who are called “Apostle”: St. Frumentius (Apostle to the Abyssinians), San Juan de Avila (Apostle of Andalusia) Saint Gregory the Illuminator (Apostle to the Armenians), San José de Anchieta (Apostle to Brazil) St. Augustine of Canterbury (Apostle to the English), St. Peter Julian Eymard (Apostle of the Eucharist), St. Boniface (Apostle to the Germans), St. Patrick (Apostle to Ireland), St. Francois Piquet (Apostle to the Iroquois), Saint Faustina Kowalska (Apostle of Mercy), St. Columba (Apostle to the Scots), St. Adalbert (Apostle to the Polish)

I know the Mormons refer to their 12 elders as “Apostles” as do many Pentecostal-Holiness Protestants. In those cases they are doing so to somehow give their sect an air of legitimacy. Since Jesus gave the apostolic anointing to the 12, they are the ones who pass this on to subsequent generations. We call this “Apostolic Succession”. Thus, it is through union with the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church that we become “apostles”. And it is for the Church to decide who legitimately can hold this title.
 
Apostle simply refers to the fact that one is sent out on a mission. That is why Cyril and Methodius, who helped evangelize the Slavs are known as the Apostles to the Slavs.
 
Telstar said:
As far as I know, the only ones that were true Apostles were those that were chosen directly by Jesus, and were given authority over the rest of the flock, by Him. They later became the first Bishops of the early Church. I think the major distinction was that they were given their position directly by Jesus, Himself. They were the foundation of His Church. I don’t think anyone else would ever be qualified to use that title, for that reason. Some people might think they qualify if they decide to start a new church, but they really don’t.
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When speaking of the 12 don’t forget also the 70.
 
Thunderbird said:
Not actually sure this is in the correct forum, but…

In the course of conversations with various Non-Catholics, I’ve found that use of the title ‘Apostle’ by ministers is a somewhat contentious topic. Based on my limited knowledge of the subject, Apostles in the classic biblical sense are strictly defined as the men that walked with Jesus during his ministry.

I’m guessing this is why some turn their nose up at others that currently use the title?

As far as I know, we Catholics don’t use the title (though I’m not sure why - anyone wanna shed some light on this?).

Just curious, really.
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What word do they prefer instead?
I have seen some charismatic denominations that use ‘apostle’ and ‘prophet’ as titles for preachers.
 
MisterCorduroy said:
St. Paul was considered the Apostle to the Gentiles though he never physically met or learned from Jesus, but through apparitions confirmed by St. Peter. Scripture also refers to St. Barnabas, Andronicus and Junia, Silus, Timothy, and Apollos as apostles.

The Catholic Church refers to the Vatican as the “Apsotolic See” and the college of bishops as the “Apostolic College”. The catechism says “The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the Twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ’s return.” (CCC 1577) Furthermore, in general terms the “Apostolate” includes both ordained ministers and laity (CCC 864)–the whole body of believers are “called out” to share the Gospel and execise the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Church calls St. Mary Magdalene the “Apostle to the Apostles” since she told them about the resurrection. In the Eastern Church she is called “Equal to the Apostles”. Those called “Equal to the Apostles” were usually evangelistic pioneers who brought Christ to a new area. St. Mary Magdalene also has this title since she was a “proto-evangelist” after seeing the resurrected Jesus. St. Helena, Sts. Cyril & Methodios, St. Vladimir, St. Sava of Serbia, are just a few.

Similarly in the Roman Church we have many who are called “Apostle”: St. Frumentius (Apostle to the Abyssinians), San Juan de Avila (Apostle of Andalusia) Saint Gregory the Illuminator (Apostle to the Armenians), San José de Anchieta (Apostle to Brazil) St. Augustine of Canterbury (Apostle to the English), St. Peter Julian Eymard (Apostle of the Eucharist), St. Boniface (Apostle to the Germans), St. Patrick (Apostle to Ireland), St. Francois Piquet (Apostle to the Iroquois), Saint Faustina Kowalska (Apostle of Mercy), St. Columba (Apostle to the Scots), St. Adalbert (Apostle to the Polish)

I know the Mormons refer to their 12 elders as “Apostles” as do many Pentecostal-Holiness Protestants. In those cases they are doing so to somehow give their sect an air of legitimacy. Since Jesus gave the apostolic anointing to the 12, they are the ones who pass this on to subsequent generations. We call this “Apostolic Succession”. Thus, it is through union with the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church that we become “apostles”. And it is for the Church to decide who legitimately can hold this title.
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Thank you for this clarification. Of course, you’re correct. I guess I was thinking exclusively of those that were the first ones chosen by Jesus, but it certainly would stand to reason that other great leaders of the Church would also be referred to by the term, Apostle. But, those are all examples of those that were also ‘sent’ to preach through a direct line of succession from the original 12, so there is no question that they were really ‘sent’ in the name of Jesus. Anyone that imposes that title on themselves, that has not received it through a direct line of succession, are a different story. I don’t think they can ever make a legitimate claim to that title.
OrthodoxJosh said:
When speaking of the 12 don’t forget also the 70.
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I’m not sure that they were considered to be Apostles or Disciples. That’s something that I’ve never really understood, completely. I usually think of them as being the first Priests, while the Apostles were more like Bishops. Is there a real distinction between them? I have no doubt that some of them probably became Bishops later on, but I usually think of them as having less authority than Apostles.
 
Cavaradosi’s understanding of what is meant by ‘apostle’ is correct…one who is sent…there are apostolic associations, who are sent out to bring the Good News within the vocation of their daily lives…I heard Bishop Fulton Sheen was ‘apostolic’.
 
And don’t forget the “Apostleship of Prayer” that started in France in 1844. It is the Holy Father’s personal prayer group that prays for his monthly intentions. There are over 50 million members and anyone can join.

The founder, Fr. Francis Xavier Gautrelet, told a group of Jesuit seminarians who were eager to work on the missions: “Be apostles now, apostles of prayer! Offer everything you are doing each day in union with the Heart of our Lord for what He wishes, the spread of the Kingdom for the salvation of souls.”
 
IMO (some) come-lately Protestants and the Mormons use the term “Apostle” to make their leaders sound legitimate, identified with early Christianity, the same way they use the words “church” and “bishop.”
 
JustaServant said:
What word do they prefer instead?
I have seen some charismatic denominations that use ‘apostle’ and ‘prophet’ as titles for preachers.
Click to expand...
Well, at my mother’s church (Baptist), the pastor said that using the term “Apostle” as a title was pretentious and again, was a title only used for specific people that walked with Jesus. I know others (from other churches/denominations) that have no problem utilizing the title (as well as Bishop, etc).

Would there be a distinction between usage of the actual title Apostle and calling something Apostolic? Or is this just quibbling semantics?

As an aside, people from my mother’s church are also quick to judge Catholics for being dogmatic… which is funny, given how drawing a distinction between Apostle and other titles is somewhat dogmatic in and of itself… 🤷
 
Personally, I do not call anybody an Apostle other than the Twelve, and Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. I don’t believe the office continued beyond that time.
 
Thunderbird said:
In the course of conversations with various Non-Catholics, I’ve found that use of the title ‘Apostle’ by ministers is a somewhat contentious topic.
…
As far as I know, we Catholics don’t use the title (though I’m not sure why - anyone wanna shed some light on this?).

Just curious, really.
Click to expand...
I don’t know what non-Catholics think. Catholics believe, and it is part of the Apostles Creed, that the Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic, that is, the leadership of the Church founded by Jesus Christ on the Rock of Peter and upon the apostles he chose, enjoys unbroken succession from those apostles, in the person of the popes, bishops, and through ordination by the bishops, the priests who share in their priestly ministry. In fact it is only through that authority that the priesthood and the hierarchy exist at all.

So I am not sure in what sense you mean in the use of the word “apostle”. The only ones who can self-designate using that word are those in apostolic succession from the original twelve.
 
puzzleannie said:
I don’t know what non-Catholics think. Catholics believe, and it is part of the Apostles Creed, that the Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic, that is, the leadership of the Church founded by Jesus Christ on the Rock of Peter and upon the apostles he chose, enjoys unbroken succession from those apostles, in the person of the popes, bishops, and through ordination by the bishops, the priests who share in their priestly ministry. In fact it is only through that authority that the priesthood and the hierarchy exist at all.

So I am not sure in what sense you mean in the use of the word “apostle”. The only ones who can self-designate using that word are those in apostolic succession from the original twelve.
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Okay, so what you’re saying is that the only individuals that can rightfully use it (based on our Catholic understanding) are Priests (and all rankings contained therein like Bishops, etc)?
 
Thunderbird said:
Okay, so what you’re saying is that the only individuals that can rightfully use it (based on our Catholic understanding) are Priests (and all rankings contained therein like Bishops, etc)?
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Apostle
APOSTLE
A messenger and authorized representative of the sender. Broadly used in Scripture, it refers to many followers of Jesus who spread his message. More precisely, however, it applies to the original twelve men chosen by Jesus to be his immediate aides. They are referred to as disciples during the period in which he was instructing the, but following his ascension they are always called Apostles. After Pentecost they spoke and acted with confidence and assurance in teaching others what he had taught them and in assuming leadership roles in the early church. They were ordained priests by Christ at the Last Supper and were commissioned by him to preach the Gospel to all mankind (Matthew 28:19-20). (Etym. Latin apostolus, an apostle; Greek apostolos, one who is sent off.)
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This is to the Catholic Encyclopedia
It may be more than you want to know.
 
I think any who take part in the Great Commission, may consider themselves to be part of Christ’s Apostolic plan. We are all called to spread the Gospel, so we may say we have an Apostolic duty.

However, to give anyone the title of Apostle, is just wrong. Titles only carry as much power as the one who bestows the title. In the case of the Apostles, it came from Christ, Himself. Otherwise, it is just another word somebody thinks sounds cool.

BTW, use of terminology can be misleading to some. Terms like Bishop and Apostle seem to lend legitimacy to modern churches, ironically by sounding like the original Church. My in-laws were devastated when they found out that the Pentacostal church wasn’t founded on Pentacost! :eek:
 
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