apostle

A person who spreads a religion, especially a leader who helped spread Christianity in its early years.

• Peter was an apostle.
• The apostles travelled to spread their faith.
• They described the missionary as an apostle of Christianity.

How to use it: apostle of someone/something (Paul was an apostle of Christ.)

Similar words: missionary, religious messenger

Common phrases: an apostle, apostle of christ, early christian apostle

Someone who strongly supports and spreads a belief or cause, especially when it is new.

• She was an apostle of peace.
• The writer became an early apostle of democracy.
• These apostles of reform challenged the old system.

How to use it: apostle of something (He became an apostle of educational reform.)

Similar words: advocate, champion, promoter

Opposites: opponent

Common phrases: apostle of peace, apostle of reform, an early apostle

A senior leader serving on the council of twelve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• The church appointed a new apostle.
• An apostle addressed the church conference.
• The apostles met as the Quorum of the Twelve.

Common phrases: a senior apostle, newly appointed apostle, apostle in the quorum