The word "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos) primarily means a messenger or someone sent on a mission. In the New Testament, it often refers to the Twelve Apostles chosen by Christ, as well as Paul, who claimed equal status with them. It can also describe other prominent Christian teachers, such as Barnabas, Silvanus, Timothy, and possibly Andronicus and Junia, or even false teachers who falsely claim to be apostles.