Apostle

Apostle is an epithet given to each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ. They were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (the Less), Judas (or Thaddaeus), Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Matthias took the place of Judas Iscariot after the latter committed suicide.

Nevertheless, this epithet is applied also to a messenger or representative; a vigorous advocate of any particular idea, policy or cause; any important early Christian teacher, especially St Paul; one of the twelve administrative officers of the Mormon Church; and the first successful Christian missionary in a country or to a people.