“Apostle” is the title traditionally given to the twelve men specially chosen by Jesus to preach the Gospel and to whom he entrusted responsibility for guiding the early Church. The names of the Twelve are Peter, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew (or Nathaniel), Matthew, Simon, Jude (or Thaddeus), and Matthias (who replaced Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus and then took his own life). St. Paul, though not one of the Twelve, was also called later by the Lord to be an Apostle.
“Disciple” is the name given in the New Testament to all those men and women who followed Jesus and were taught by him while he was alive. After Jesus’ death, Resurrection, and Ascension, the disciples formed the Church with the Apostles and helped spread the Gospel message. Contemporary members of the Church, as followers of Jesus, can also be referred to as disciples.
