In Greek, Apostle means "one sent forth." It was the title Jesus gave to the Twelve whom he chose and ordained to be his closest disciples and helpers during his ministry on earth (Luke 6: 13; John 15: 16). He sent them forth to represent him and to minister for him after his ascension into heaven. Both anciently and in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the restored Church today, an Apostle is a special witness of Jesus Christ in all the world to testify of his divinity and of his resurrection from the dead (Acts 1: 22; D&C 107: 23).

Christ's church is built on the foundation of Apostles and prophets, Eph. 2: 20; 4: 11. Lehi and Nephi saw the twelve Apostles following Jesus, 1 Ne. 1: 10; 11: 34. Apostles are to judge the house of Israel, Morm. 3: 18. Those who do not heed the words of the prophets and Apostles shall be cut off, D&C 1: 14 (3 Ne. 12: 1). The calling and mission of the Twelve were revealed, D&C 18: 26-36. Joseph Smith was ordained an Apostle, D&C 20: 2; 21: 1. Apostles are special witnesses of Christ's name and bear the keys of the ministry, D&C 27: 12 (D&C 112: 30-32). Twelve Apostles form a quorum equal in authority to the First Presidency, D&C 107: 23-24. The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, D&C 107: 33. Apostles hold the keys of missionary work, D&C 107: 35. Some of the duties of Apostles are described, D&C 107: 58. I say unto all the Twelve: follow me, and feed my sheep, D&C 112: 14-15. We believe in Apostles, A of F 1: 6.

Selection of Apostles: Apostles are chosen by the Lord (John 6: 70; 15: 16).

Of his disciples, Jesus chose twelve Apostles, Luke 6: 13-16. Matthias was chosen to be an Apostle, Acts 1: 21-26. Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were commanded to search out the Twelve, D&C 18: 37-39.