Disciple in John

In John, Jesus’ disciples are, above all, his friends, who are granted a share in Jesus’ connection with God (John 13–17). Women also share this friendship, as Mary Magdalene shows in John 20:1-18. In the tradition she is therefore also called apostola apostolorum (apostle of the apostles).

The fourth evangelist does not mention a separate group of apostles among the disciples. Jesus himself is the only Apostle, in the literal meaning of the word “sent one”. He lives in the constant awareness that he is linked to the Father.
Just as God has sent Jesus into this world, so Jesus sends his disciples into the world to proclaim God’s message (John 17:18).