What's the difference between a disciple and an apostle ?

BRY2K

Here is an overly-religious response to your Q, but that offeres some insight: The Bible makes a clear distinction between an apostle (from the Greek word aðüóôïëïò, “apostolos” which literally means “the one that is sent”) and a disciple (a translation of the Greek word ìáèçôÞò, “mathutus,” meaning “a pupil” or “follower”). Anyone who follows the teachings of Jesus is a disciple; basically all Christians are disciples of Jesus. However, only the Twelve and Paul were considered apostles. The apostles were each hand-selected by Jesus. The Twelve were personally taught by Jesus. They were promised (John 14:26) and given (Acts 2:3) a special relationship with the Holy Spirit, who empowered them with spiritual gifts. Like “the Twelve,” Paul also was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:7) and received the same gifts. As we study the Bible, it becomes clear that all Christians receive the Holy Spirit, but only the apostles received directly from heaven the miraculous gifts of tongues (speaking in different languages), healing, prophecy, knowledge and so on, though they were able to endow others with such spiritual gifts. The apostles were the spiritual leaders of the early church and their teachings were considered to have “apostolic authority.” They alone had the authority to speak and write the inspired word of God. Therefore only the writings of the apostles themselves or books written on behalf of the apostles were included in the canon of the New Testament. http://www.windmillministries.org/frames/CH21-8A.htm Also, you'll find a few answers here: http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/disapos.htm Sep 11 09, 8:03 AM