1:19

apostles: Likely referring to Peter (“Cephas,” Ga 1:18; 2:9) and James the brother of the Lord, that is, Jesus’ half brother. (See study notes on Mt 13:55; Ac 1:14; 12:17.) The term “apostle” basically means “someone sent out,” and it is most frequently used of the 12 apostles of Jesus. (Lu 8:1; see study note on Joh 13:16 and Glossary, “Apostle.”) However, it also has a broader usage, as in this case regarding James. He was apparently viewed as an apostle, that is, one selected and sent forth as a representative of the Jerusalem congregation. Such a use of this word would explain why the account at Ac 9:26, 27 uses the title in the plural, saying that Paul was led “to the apostles.”