What is a disciple?
Quick Answer
A disciple is a learner or follower who commits to learning from and imitating a teacher - in Christianity, one who follows Jesus Christ, learning His teachings and way of life.
Understanding Disciple
The Greek word 'mathetes' means learner or pupil. In the ancient world, disciples attached themselves to teachers, learning not just information but a way of life. Jesus called disciples to follow Him, learn from Him, and become like Him. Discipleship involves: hearing Jesus' teaching, believing in Him, obeying His commands, and reproducing His life in others. Jesus had various levels of followers - crowds who listened, the seventy-two He sent out, the twelve apostles, and an inner circle of three (Peter, James, John). The Great Commission calls all believers to make disciples, not just converts. A disciple is not just a student but one whose entire life is shaped by their Master.
In the Old Testament
The disciple-teacher relationship existed in the Old Testament, though less formally structured. Elisha served as Elijah's disciple before succeeding him. The 'sons of the prophets' formed prophetic communities under teachers like Samuel and Elisha. The Wisdom literature envisions a relationship between sages and students. However, the intensive master-disciple relationship Jesus established with the Twelve represented something unprecedented in its depth and transformational purpose.
In the New Testament
The Gospels show Jesus calling disciples, teaching them, and commissioning them for mission. 'Disciple' is the most common term for Jesus' followers in the Gospels, appearing over 250 times. After Pentecost, believers were called disciples (Acts 6:1) and later 'Christians' (Acts 11:26). Discipleship involves cost - leaving other priorities, bearing one's cross, and total commitment. It also involves community - disciples learned together and were sent out in pairs. The goal is transformation: to become like the Master in character, mission, and love for others.
Key Scripture References
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
Read full commentary →Luke 14:27“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
Read full commentary →John 8:31“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”
Read full commentary →John 13:35“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Read full commentary →Luke 9:23“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Read full commentary →Matthew 10:24-25“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
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