Word Studies

Biblical Discernment

Word Studies
jacksdon@gmail.com

Disciple, Apostle, Ambassador,Priest

Word studies in the Word of God are very profitable for the serious student.

This paper will present the New Testament usage of the captioned words.


· Disciple – From the Greek word mathetes [math-ay-tes]: A learner, i.e. pupil, disciple.

This word is found in some 27 verses from Matthew 1:1 through Acts 28:31. This is an interesting finding and would indicate that it is used only while Israel is in covenant relationship with God in these epistles. The word disciple is not found after Acts 21:16. Israel is finally set aside in Acts 28. Note that it is not found in Paul’s epistles.

· Apostle – From the Greek word apostolos [ap-os-tol-os]: A delegate, ambassador, he that is sent.

This word is found in 19 verses in the New Testament. Significantly the word is not found in the four Gospels or Acts. It is found two times in Peter’s writings [1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1] and would indicate that Peter is no longer a disciple but now a trained delegate or ambassador. The word is found in 17 verses from Romans through Hebrews. Each time it is used from Romans through Philemon it is used of Paul. In Hebrews 3:1 Paul uses the word to define the Lord Jesus Christ as “…the Apostle and High Priest of our profession….”

The plural [apostles] is used in 59 verses in the New Testament. Eight times in Matthew, Mark and Luke, 30 times in Acts, 16 times from Romans – Philemon, 1 time in 2nd Peter, 1 time in Jude and 3 times in Revelation.

· Ambassador – From the Greek word presbueo [pres-byoo-o]: Representative, ambassador.

The word is used in the singular one time in the New Testament – Ephesians 6:20 where Paul describes himself as an “…ambassador in bonds…” to the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is used in the plural one time also – 2 Corinthians 5:20 where Paul describes believers [in the Body of Christ] as “…ambassadors…” for Christ.

We should note that ambassadors are sent out only after they have received proper training. Perhaps this is why Paul encourages us to study [Gk. spoudazo] and rightly divide [orthotomeo] the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.

· Priest – From the Greek hiereus [hee-er-yooce]: A priest.

This word is used in 74 verses in the New Testament. Interestingly, it is not found in Paul’s epistles with the exception of Hebrews, where it is found 26 times. Peter, while writing to the scattered of Israel, tells them [the Jews] that they are a “…royal priesthood…..” [1 Peter 2:9]. Commentators have to do “spiritual” gymnastics to [try to] make this fit the Body of Christ. This priesthood is for a future generation of Jews.

It would seem that the Lord wants believers in this dispensation of the grace of God to graduate from babyhood [disciples] and grow into useful ambassadors. He wants us to come off the “milk” and start feasting on solid food so we can grow into full adulthood. 1 Corinthians 3:1,2; Ephesians 6:11ff; 1 Timothy 2:4.