#verseoftheday

I believe there is a strong biblical case for saying that every disciple is sent by Christ, but I would distinguish that from saying every disciple holds the office of Apostle (capital "A") in the New Testament sense.

The Jewish concept of shaliaḥ (שָׁלִיחַ), meaning "one who is sent," provides a helpful background. A shaliaḥ acted as the authorized representative of another, carrying the authority of the sender within the limits of the commission. This illuminates several New Testament passages where Jesus sends His followers.

For example:

John 20:21 — "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

Matthew 28:18–20 — The Great Commission.

Luke 10:16 — "The one who listens to you listens to Me..."

2 Corinthians 5:20 — "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ..."

John 17:18 — "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world."

Taken together, these passages reveal that Christ's disciples are His authorized representatives in the world.

A Distinction Worth Making

The New Testament uses the Greek word ἀπόστολος (apostolos) simply to mean "one who is sent." In that broad lexical sense, every Christian is indeed sent.

However, the New Testament also uses "apostle" in a more technical sense for those who held a unique, foundational role in the establishment of the Church.

These include:

The Twelve chosen by Jesus,

Matthias, who replaced Judas (Acts 1),

Paul, specially commissioned by the risen Christ,

and perhaps a few others, such as Barnabas (Acts 14:14), in a broader missionary sense.

Paul writes:

"...having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:20, NASB1995)

That foundational office was unique and is not repeated.

Therefore, I would summarize the distinction this way:

Every Christian is apostolic in mission, but not every Christian is an Apostle in office.

Restored Image-Bearers and Representatives of Christ

What especially stands out to me is how this understanding connects with the biblical doctrine of the image of God.

Humanity was created in God's image (Genesis 1:26–28).

Sin distorted that vocation.

Christ is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15).

Believers are being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

As restored image-bearers, we are called to represent God's character, Kingdom, and reign before the world.

This naturally leads into Paul's description of the Church:

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us..." (2 Corinthians 5:20, NASB1995)

An ambassador represents the king rather than himself. Likewise, every disciple represents Christ, proclaims His gospel, and carries out His mission.

Recovering the Apostolic Calling of Every Disciple

Through union with Christ, every believer becomes a sent representative of King Jesus. As the Father sent the Son, the Son now sends His disciples into the world. Though not all hold the foundational office of Apostle, all share in the apostolic mission of bearing witness to Christ, proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, serving as ambassadors of reconciliation, and reflecting God's restored image until Christ returns.

This understanding brings together the biblical themes of shaliaḥ, John 20:21, the Great Commission, Christ's ambassadors, and our identity as restored image-bearers. It preserves both truths found in Scripture:

The unique, foundational apostleship of the Twelve and Paul.

The universal sending of every disciple into Christ's mission.

"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." — Colossians 2:6–7 (NASB1995)

Colossians 2:6–7 presents a concise yet comprehensive picture of the Christian life. Writing to believers confronted by false teaching, the apostle Paul reminds them that spiritual maturity is not found in new philosophies but in continuing to live in the same Christ they first received. The Christian life begins with faith in Christ, continues through daily obedience, and matures through steadfast dependence upon Him.

Paul's imagery unfolds in four movements. First, believers are called to walk in Christ, making Him the pattern and direction of everyday life. Second, they are to be firmly rooted in Him, drawing continual strength and stability from their union with Christ. Third, they are built up in Him, emphasizing the ongoing work of spiritual growth and transformation. Finally, they are to be established in the faith, remaining grounded in the apostolic teaching they have received rather than being carried away by error.

The passage concludes with an important result: lives overflowing with gratitude. Genuine spiritual maturity is not measured merely by knowledge or activity but by hearts increasingly filled with thankful worship toward God.