UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: apostle, special messenger

Semantic entry: 53.74

Semantic domains: Religious Activities

Subdomains: Roles and Functions

Definition: one who fulfills the role of being a special messenger (generally restricted to the immediate followers of Jesus Christ, but also extended, as in the case of Paul, to other early Christians active in proclaiming the message of the gospel)

Notes: The relationship of an apostle to Jesus Christ is sometimes expressed as ‘being Christ’s messenger’ or ‘being a special messenger of Jesus Christ.’ In such a phrase, the term ‘special’ refers to having been commissioned by Jesus Christ for a particular task or role.

Sense 2: messenger

Semantic entry: 33.194

Semantic domains: Communication

Subdomains: Inform, Announce

Definition: (derivative of ἀποστέλλω [source selector 000001][b] ‘to send a message,’ 15.67: ἀποστέλλω / 15.67: ἐξαποστέλλω / 15.67: πέμπω) one who is sent with a message{N:001}