“Apostleship” Outside of the New Testament
Galatians 1:1
Excerpt
The Greek word for “apostle” is not used outside the NT in the same sense as it is in the NT. It is derived from the verb “to send” and is at home in the language of the sea meaning a particular “ship” or “group of ships,” a “marine expedition” or “the leader” of such. Its usage is almost always impersonal and thoroughly passive. There is no hint of personal initiative or authorization, merely the connotation of something being sent. Later papyri use the word to mean “bill” or “invoice” or even a “passport,” continuing to reflect the vocabulary of maritime affairs.
Elwell, Walter A., and Philip Wesley Comfort. Tyndale Bible dictionary 2001 : 96. Print. Tyndale Reference Library.
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