| Lance from
Texas writes. . . |
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Hello my name is Lance and I am
a Senior Associate Pastor in Austin, Texas. I recently listened
to some material where the minister was discussing the Greek word
for apostle and how it came from a Phoenician military term. I
have done some research but can't seem to come up with the same
information. I am very interested to learn more about this subject.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and I would appreciate
any help you could offer. |
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According to The
Theological Dictionary of New the Testament (Kittle)
and The Dictionary of New Testament Theology (Brown)
the word “apostolos” was originally used in maritime
language to designate a “cargo vessel” or the fleet
sent out on a military/colonizing expedition. At later times
it became the word used to refer to the commander of the invading/colonizing
force, or to the group of colonists that were sent to “Hellenize” a
region.
F.F. Bruce in his book, Paul and the Agon Motif makes
reference also to this early use of the title “apostolos.” This
use of the title was antiquated by the time of Jesus because the
Greek Empire was no longer in existence. During the era of Greek
expansion (Hellenization) these colonizing fleets were responsible
for the tremendous affect that Greece (Helenes) was to have upon
the Mediterranean world. As the Greeks conquered nations and areas
they established their language, culture, architecture, and science.
This was the affect/purpose of the “apostolos.”
By the time of the New Testament, “apostolos” was
simply a word for the authority that accompanied one sent on a
mission – especially to an area of some distance, or different
culture.
Geof W. Jackson, read
bio
Director of the Grace School of Ministry/Director
of Pastoral Care
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