The Greek word “aphorizo”

Found in Mt. 13:49; 25:32; Lk. 6:22; Acts 13:2; 19:9; Rom. 1:1; 2 Cor. 6:17; Gal. 1:15; 2:12), the Greek verb “aphorizo” meant “separate,” “separate from,” “excommunicate.”

This verb “is always concerned with separating. The good are separated from the evil (Mt. 13:49; 25:32). The unbelievers exclude the believers (Lk. 6:22), and conversely the church withdraws from unbelief (Acts 19:9; 2 Cor. 6:17)” (Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 1:473). We also find this word meaning things like “appoint” or “determine.” Paul knew he had been “set apart” for the gospel (Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:15). Rather than appoint himself an apostle, Paul said God had set him apart for this unique role in the church (Acts 13:2).