The word apostle has several meanings and since the Gospels were written in Greek it is appropriate to use their definition. 
Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday with his disciples including women. It is not unreasonable to believe they participated in the Last Supper. Beware of being too literal in your reading of the Gospels. Jesus often invited tax collectors and sinners to dine with him including women. Women would play a significant role the next few days.
The cross is a symbol of suffering that all of who follow Jesus must face in our lives. And with it we will find the love of God and transformation into spiritual life.
I just can't see God asking for his son's death as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Maybe your view of God requires it? But the God Jesus presents as His Father is love, mercy and forgiveness. God already sees mankind with love. God doesn't need a sacrifice. Jesus was killed by the Romans who were convinced by the priests that he was a threat.