Apostle facts for kids

An apostle is someone who is sent out with an important message or mission. The word comes from an ancient Greek word meaning "one who is sent away." In history, this term has been used in many different ways, especially in religion. It can also refer to people or groups known for spreading new ideas.

Religious Leaders and Messengers

In religion, an apostle is often a special messenger chosen by a divine power.

Followers of Jesus

• The Twelve Apostles were the 12 main followers chosen by Jesus. They were given a special job to spread his teachings after he left. This is sometimes called "the Great Commission."
• The Seventy Apostles were another group of 70 followers. They were also sent out by Jesus to share his message. Some churches, like the Orthodox Church, call them Apostles. In Western traditions, they are often called Disciples.
• Jesus himself is called an apostle in the Bible, in the book of Hebrews 3:1. This shows he was also "sent" by God.

Other Religious Roles

• Apostle (Latter Day Saints) is an important position in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These leaders are part of a special group called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
• Muḥammad is known as "Rasūlullāh" in Islam. This means "The Apostle of God" or "The Messenger of God." It is his main title and part of the Shahadah, which is a declaration of faith.

Entertainment and Arts

The term "apostle" has also been used in movies, music, and other creative works.

Movies and Films

• The Apostle is a 1997 movie. It was directed by and starred Robert Duvall. The film tells the story of a passionate preacher.
• El Apóstol was the world's first animated feature movie. It was made in Argentina in 1917.
• The Apostles (Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible) is an animated movie. It is part of a series about Bible stories.

Music and Production

• The Apostles (band) was a punk rock music group. They were active in the 1980s.
• The Apostles (Elgar) is a large musical work for choir and orchestra. It was created in 1903 by the famous composer Edward Elgar.
• Apostle (production company) is a company that makes television shows. It was started in 1994 by Jim Serpico and Denis Leary.
• 12 Apostles (record label) is a company that produces and sells music records.

Other Uses of the Term

The word "apostle" can also describe groups or things that spread ideas or have a special meaning.

Societies and Organizations

• The Cambridge Apostles is a well-known secret society. It is made up of students and former students from the University of Cambridge in England.
• The Twelve Apostles (Irish counter-intelligence organisation) was a special unit. It was created by Michael Collins during the Irish War of Independence. Their job was to gather information and protect their leaders.

Nature

• The Apostle Plant is a type of plant from the genus Neomarica. People say it only flowers after it has grown exactly 12 leaves. This is why it is called "apostle."

Images for kids

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  Some of the Twelve Apostles, mosaic in the Euphrasian Basilica

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  Aeschines (389–314 BC), who throughout his life was sent as member of some embassy missions. The Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (apóstolos) can be translated to "ambassador" and "envoy" and was in some instances used this way in Ancient Greece.

See also

In Spanish: Apóstol para niños