Does the term “Apostles” refer to the Twelve or to the Seventy?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The title Apostle refers to both the Twelve and the Seventy, though they occupy distinct ranks and roles within the divine economy of the Church.

The word itself—written in Coptic script as apostolos*, a Greek loanword—literally means "one who is sent forth" with delegated authority and a specific mission. Because Christ personally appointed and sent both groups, both are truly and properly commemorated as Apostles.

1. The Twelve Apostles

twelve is native Coptic; is a Greek loanword.

The Twelve hold a unique, foundational, and preeminent rank:

• Unique Foundation: They accompanied our Lord Jesus Christ from the Baptism of John until His Ascension (Acts 1:21–22).
• Eschatological Role: Christ promised them: "When the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28).
• Pillars of the New Jerusalem: Saint John the Beloved beheld that the wall of the holy city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14).
• In early patristic writings and historical accounts, when the word "Apostles" is used without a number or qualifier, it most frequently designates the Twelve (along with Saint Paul, who was granted an extraordinary apostolic call directly by Christ).

2. The Seventy Apostles

seventy is native Coptic.

The Seventy disciples mentioned in Luke 10 are also fully recognized and venerated as Apostles:

• The Biblical Commission: In Luke 10:1, the Scripture states that the Lord "appointed seventy others also, and sent them"—using the Greek verb apostellein (to send forth as apostles).
• Apostolic Authority: Christ gave them apostolic authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and preach the Kingdom of God, telling them: "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me" (Luke 10:16) and granting them power "to trample on serpents and scorpions" (Luke 10:19).
• Prominent Members: Holy Tradition records that key figures who wrote the Gospels or planted major sees were among the Seventy, such as:
• Saint Mark the Evangelist (the Apostle to Egypt and founder of the See of Alexandria)
• Saint Luke the Evangelist
• Saint Stephen the Archdeacon and the first Seven Deacons (Acts 6)
• Saint Cleopas (one of the two on the road to Emmaus)
• Saint Barnabas and Saint Silas

In the liturgical calendar, the Church commemorates the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on the 1st of Tout, calling them specifically by the title "Holy Apostles."

3. Patristic Distinction Between the Two Ranks

While both are Apostles, the Holy Fathers distinguish their orders:

• The Twelve prefigure the order of the Episcopate (Bishops), holding supreme pastoral oversight and headship under Christ.
• The Seventy prefigure the order of the Presbyterate (Priests), serving as co-workers, sent to specific communities, towns, and regions to administer the sacraments and tend to the flock.

Thus, scripturally and traditionally, the title belongs to both: the Twelve are the primary, foundational circle, while the Seventy are the wider apostolic body sent out to harvest the nations.