使徒

The twelve men chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and authorized representatives, plus Paul. Luke 6:13 records Jesus choosing the Twelve 'whom he also designated apostles.' They witnessed his ministry, death, and resurrection (Acts 1:21-22) and were commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). At Pentecost, they received the Holy Spirit and became the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). Paul, though not one of the original Twelve, was called as 'apostle to the Gentiles' (Romans 11:13) through a direct encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9, 1 Corinthians 15:8-9).