Why is St Paul called an Apostle?

by Gunther Simmermacher · Published February 25, 2025 · Updated February 25, 2025

St Paul in Prison by Rembrandt

Question: Why is St Paul called an “Apostle” when he wasn’t one of the Twelve whom Jesus chose?

Answer: The Church applies the title “Apostle” in a particular way to the Twelve, and it is in that context that Paul finds inclusion.

The term “apostle” — which is derived from the Greek apostolein, meaning “sent ones” — is also often used in a broader sense to refer to all those who are sent out to proclaim the message of Christ. In that way, Mary Magdalene, who saw the risen Christ at the tomb and was sent by him to announce the resurrection to the other disciples, is regarded as the “Apostle to the Apostles”.

Paul, originally known as Saul, was a devout Jew who persecuted the early Christians. After his mystical encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus and his subsequent conversion, he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel and establishing Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire.

He travelled extensively, wrote many letters (or epistles) to the early Christian communities — which form a significant part of the New Testament — and played a crucial role in shaping Christian theology and doctrine. Paul’s essential role in the early Church thus earned him the title of “Apostle to the Gentiles” and a place of honour among the Twelve.

As we read in the Acts of the Apostles, Paul collaborated with Peter and the other initial leaders in governing and shaping the rules of the still small but growing Jesus movement, such as in extending admission to the Gentiles, a decision that changed the course of Christianity (Romans 11:13). So while Paul doesn’t figure in the Gospels, he clearly is acknowledged in the New Testament as one of the movement’s leaders, alongside the Apostles appointed by Jesus.

(Günther Simmermacher)