Apostle

“AGENT”

Apostle (שליח, Shaliach) means "emissary" or "agent." An apostle is someone appointed to perform a task or convey a message on behalf of another, embodying the sender's authority and intentions.

The role of an apostle extends beyond merely carrying out tasks though; it involves representing the sender's will and essence. Being a mirror of the one who sent them. The biblical-era saying is that "a person's agent is like the person himself" which underscores the deep level of trust and authority vested in an apostle, making their actions legally and morally binding on the one who sent them. Often, the apostle speaks as if he is the authority, while speaking on behalf of the authority.

G-d often appoints individuals as His ‘apostles’ to carry out specific missions. For example, Moses is sent by G-d to Pharaoh to demand the Israelites' release from Egypt, acting as G-d's apostle to lead the people to freedom. In this instance, Moses is G-d to Pharoah while only being an apostle of G-d, he is also a mirror of G-d.

“The L-RD said to Moses, ‘I have made you G-d to Pharoah, and Aaron will be your prophet’” (Exodus 7:1)

Prophets, too, can be seen as Divine emissaries, tasked with conveying G-d's messages to the Israelites, urging them to adhere to the covenant and repent from wrongdoing.

Every believer should be striving to be an agent of G-d, embodying the values and teachings from G-d, serving as a living example of faith and commitment. The apostle must act with integrity and fidelity to the mission, ensuring that their actions reflect the intentions of the one who sent them. This spiritual role is marked by a deep sense of purpose, commitment, and responsibility to the sender, G-d.