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Are apostles the same as disciples?

Apostles and disciples are similar but not the same. While a disciple is any follower of Jesus Christ (c. 6 B.C.–A.D. 30), Jesus chose twelve special disciples to become his apostles (those sent on a special mission) and help spread the word that they believed Jesus to be the Son of God. According to the gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, the men were Peter (known also as Simon Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. After Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to the authorities, Matthias was named an apostle. The term apostle also referred to other early missionaries, such as Barnabas and Paul (known as Saul before becoming an apostle).

Further Information: "The Apostles." Catholic Encyclopedia. [Online] Available

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