Apostle is a noun that refers to one who has been related to God, and who has been sent to teach others about Him. Disciple is a noun that refers to one who has been trained by someone and whose skill or knowledge has been passed on from one generation of disciples to another.
Summary Table
| Apostle | Disciple |
| Refers to God | Refers to someone |
| Has different meaning for each person | Has only 1 meaning |
What is Apostle?
An apostle is a person who has been sent by God to be a witness for Him and to teach others about Him. He or she is sent by God to share His Word and lead people to salvation. The term apostle is used throughout the Bible, but it is never used in reference to a person who has been given the title of apostle without being sent by God.
What is Disciple?
A disciple is one who has been trained by someone and whose skill or knowledge has been passed on from one generation of disciples to another. The word disciple comes from the Greek word “diakonos” which means “one who serves,” “one who follows,” or “one who obeys.” A disciple follows another and obeys him or her. In this way, the term disciple does not necessarily refer to someone sent by God, but rather someone who has been trained by someone else.
Apostle VS Disciple: What is the Difference?
Apostle is a noun that refers to one who has been sent by God to be a witness for Him and to teach others about Him. Disciple is a noun that refers to one who has been trained by someone and whose skill or knowledge has been passed on from one generation of disciples to another.
The difference between an apostle and a disciple can be confusing because they both mean the same thing, but it can also be clear because the two words are not used interchangeably. For example, Jesus sent twelve men (the apostles) as His witnesses in Jerusalem, but He also told them that they were to continue to serve until He returned (Matthew 10:1-4).
However, if you ask what it means to be an apostle, the answer will vary from person to person. In some instances, an apostle may refer to someone who was called by God at an early age, such as Saul of Tarsus. In other instances, an apostle may refer to someone who was chosen by God at a later age. An example of this is when Paul asked if he would receive a reward for his labors (2 Corinthians 11:7). The Greek word translated “reward”.
