Prophets vs Apostles: Difference and Comparison

Generally, there has been confusion about the difference between apostolic and prophetic functions (prophets vs apostles).

The Scripture explains a slight difference between these two functions. There is a difference in their ability in executive leadership roles. However, the main difference between apostolic and prophetic functions is the actual ministerial expression of leadership ability.

Most people perceive prophetic ministers as persons who journey from one place to the other spreading the gospel. Apostles and prophets are mostly seen as folks with little or no ability to lead organizations.

But, what are the roles of the prophets and apostles in general?

What Is a Prophet?

A prophet is an individual who speaks by divine inspiration. In religion, this is someone who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being.

Prophets or prophetesses serve as an intermediary with humanity by spreading messages and teachings from a supernatural source to believers and followers. Prophets convey messages which is known as a prophecy.

Throughout history, claims of prophethood have existed in various cultures and religions. They exist in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, ancient Greek religion, Hinduism, Manichaeism, Zoroastrianism, etc.

Prophet as an English word is the transliteration of a Greek word, which is derived from pro (before/toward) and phesein (to tell).

In Hebrew, the word “prophet” is נָבִיא (nāvî), “spokesperson”. The real meaning of the Hebrew word נָבִיא (nāvî), is better described in the Scriptures, in Deuteronomy 18: 18.

In Deuteronomy 18: 18, God said “And I will put My words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

Also Read: Torah Bible vs Quran: Difference and Comparison

What Is an Apostle?

An apostle is described as one of the group of twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel. The term “apostle” is derived from the ancient Greek word “Apostolos”.

The Greek word “Aposolos” in simple English interpretation means “one who is sent off” a commissioner.

It’s said that the purpose of such a sending-off is to convey a message. The “Messenger” is a common alternative translation of the word “Apopstolos”. Other common translations of the word “Apostolos” include “Envoy” and “Ambassador”.

The term “apostle” was commonly used in the New Testament to describe the men who believed and followed Jesus Christ. The apostles were the followers of Jesus Christ who were persecuted because of their faith in God.

In Christianity, some of the popular twelve apostles of Jesus Christ include Peter, John, James, Mathew, Mark, Simon, and Andrew. Other early Christian figures include Barnabas, Paul, and Junia.

Other religions also use the term “apostle” for comparable individuals in their history. Apostle is also used to describe an individual who strongly supports something.

Prophets vs Apostles: The term “Apostle” in Judaism and Christianity

What are the apostles called in Judaism and Christianity?

Christianity

The twelve disciples of Jesus Christ were called the name even before their sending away.

Jesus Christ is stated in the Scriptures to have sent out the twelve apostles- “whom he also named apostles” (Luke 6: 13), “he called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10: 1).

Apostle being a title from the New Testament was also given to other individuals in reference to the New Testament apostles.

An example is Saint Patrick (AD 373-463), known as the “Apostle of Ireland”. There was also the “Apostle of the Germans” Saint Boniface (680-755), Saint Peter of Betancur (1626-1667) was the “Apostle of Guatemala”, and Saint José de Anchieta (1534-1597) was the “Apostle of Brazil”.

Also Read: Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Difference and Comparison

Judaism

In Judaism, “Apostoloi” was the official name given to men who worked for the rulers of Jerusalem. The rulers of Jerusalem sent the “Apostoloi” to collect the half-shekel tax for the temple.

Apostles vs Prophets: Difference between Prophets and Apostles

The apostles are the followers of Jesus Christ, the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the gospel.

The Scripture explains a slight difference between the prophetic and apostolic functions. Now, what could be the main difference between prophetic and apostolic leaders considering their ministry mode?

Apostolic leaders tend to engage in problem-solving, teaching or speaking more out of principle. Their problem-solving skills and teachings are based on their vast experience.

On the other hand, prophetic leaders engaged in the same level of problem-solving will likely have a different mode of delivery.

Generally, prophetic and apostolic leaders can be involved in building the foundation and establishing a local church or network of churches for worship. A combined effort can also result in the establishment of organizations.

Doing God’s work is about establishing a kingdom witness in the world.

Prophets are likely to speak into an already established entity, while apostles are likely to be the leaders in establishing entities.

In general, both are needed and necessary. While the apostles break and establish new grounds, the prophets bring passion and a sense of urgency into the faith communities of the already established entities by the apostles.

Also Read: Catholic vs Episcopal: Difference and Comparison

Prophets vs Apostles: More Differences between Prophets and Apostles

Apostles are men of faith who lived by the word of God. They were committed to spreading the Gospel to people, believing in the word and guidance to establish new grounds.

The prophets and the apostles had a purpose to spread the word of God, which the Scripture tells us. The apostles are described to be more like Abraham.

Their purpose led them out under the stars on a cloudless night. They look up to the heavens and dream of the people in the unreached group.

In contrast, prophets venture outside on cloudless nights with strong faith and divine guidance to lead them on their mission.

The Holy Bible is the text that describes the mission of the apostles and the prophets. Through apostles and great prophets, the Gospel spread across nations and the sick were healed through the name of Jesus Christ.

The apostle of today have been recognized and respected for their work. They are referred to as church planters, ambassadors, or missionaries doing God’s work.

Prophets and apostles have existed in the Christian Church for the entire church age. The Scripture makes it more understandable to what the prophets and the apostles intended for the full church age.

Also Read: Faithful vs Loyalty: Difference and Comparison

Prophets vs Apostles: The Scriptural Description of Apostles and New Testament Prophets

The Holy Bible describes an apostle as a pioneer. Peter the Apostle opened the Gates of Heaven to the people on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1).

Apostle Paul was commissioned by Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 22: 21) “Then the Lord said to me, Go: I will send you far away to the Gentiles”.

The Holy Bible describes a New Testament prophet as an individual chosen by God (Ephesians 4: 11). The prophet is God’s mouthpiece appealing to the heart, while the teacher tends to appeal to the mind.

According to the Holy Scripture, “the Church of God was built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles” (Ephesians 2: 20).

Conclusion

Apostolic leaders tend to engage in problem-solving, teaching or speaking more out of principle, while prophetic leaders engaged in the same level of problem-solving will likely have a different mode of delivery.

Recommendations

References

Charismanews: The Difference Between Apostolic and Prophetic Roles
Wikipedia: Prophet
Wikipedia: Apostle