The answer is: Paul

Paul was an apostle, but not one of the 12 disicples. Romans 1:1

In the fascinating tapestry of early Christianity, the distinction between the Twelve Disciples and the Apostle Paul is paramount. The Twelve, chosen directly by Jesus, were widely celebrated figures and each one had a unique role or personality, such as Peter, who was impetuous and passionate, and John, known for his deep, contemplative nature. These individuals walked alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles and teachings first-hand.

Now enter Paul! One cannot overlook the fact that while he didn’t physically walk with Jesus during His ministry, Paul’s contributions to early Christianity are nothing short of monumental. Initially, he was an ardent persecutor of Christians, known as Saul of Tarsus, until his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. This pivotal transformation foreshadows the theme of redemption—a core tenet in many religious traditions.

Paul’s mission extended far beyond the confines of Jerusalem, as he traveled across the Roman Empire, uniting believers and establishing churches alongside other prominent figures of the time. His epistles, or letters, are amongst the earliest Christian writings we have, teaching early Christians about faith, grace, and the nature of God.

Fun fact: while those original twelve established foundational insights, Paul uniquely articulated the concept that "in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female." (Galatians 3:28)—highlighting the inclusivity at the heart of spiritual communities! So, kudos to Paul for his impactful theological bricks that built bridges across divides!