A disciple, in the context of the Bible, refers to a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. In the New Testament, the term is most commonly associated with the followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for disciple, "mathētēs," implies a learner who adheres to the teachings and lifestyle of their master.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "disciple" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept of discipleship is present. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha had followers who learned from them and continued their work (2 Kings 2:3-15). The relationship between Moses and Joshua also reflects a form of discipleship, as Joshua was mentored by Moses and succeeded him as the leader of Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the term "disciple" is predominantly used to describe the followers of Jesus. The Gospels and Acts frequently mention the disciples, highlighting their role in Jesus' ministry and the early church.

1. The Twelve Disciples: Jesus chose twelve men to be His closest followers, often referred to as the Twelve Apostles. These men were called to leave their previous lives and dedicate themselves to learning from Jesus and spreading His teachings. "He appointed twelve whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach" (Mark 3:14).

2. Characteristics of Discipleship: Jesus outlined the cost and commitment required to be His disciple. This includes self-denial, taking up one's cross, and prioritizing Him above all else. "If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). Disciples are called to love one another, as this love is a testament to their relationship with Christ: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).

3. The Great Commission: Before His ascension, Jesus commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. This mandate is known as the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

4. Disciples in the Early Church: The Book of Acts records the growth of the early church and the role of disciples in spreading the Gospel. The term "disciple" is used to describe all believers, not just the Twelve. "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number..." (Acts 6:1). The early disciples were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

Theological Significance

Discipleship is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to His teachings. It involves transformation, as believers are conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Discipleship is both a privilege and a responsibility, as followers of Christ are called to live out their faith and make disciples of others.

Modern Application

In contemporary Christianity, the concept of discipleship continues to be vital. Churches and Christian communities emphasize the importance of mentoring, teaching, and living out the principles of the faith. Discipleship involves both learning and action, as believers are encouraged to grow in their understanding of Scripture and actively participate in the mission of the church.Disciple

[APOSTLES]

Disciple

A scholar, Matthew 10:24. In the New Testament it is applied principally to the followers of Christ; sometimes to those of John the Baptist, Matthew 22:16. It is used in a special manner to point out the twelve, Matthew 10:1 11:1:20:17. A disciple of Christ may now be defined as one who believes his doctrine, rests upon his sacrifice, imbibes his spirit, imitates his example, and lives to do his work.

A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matthew 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69). 1. (n.) One who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in doctrine; as, the disciples of Plato; the disciples of our Savior.

2. (v. t.) To teach; to train.

3. (v. t.) To punish; to discipline.

4. (v. t.) To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles.

DISCIPLE

di-si'-p'-l:

(1) Usually a substantive (mathetes, "a learner," from manthano, "to learn"; Latin discipulus, "a scholar"): The word is found in the Bible only in the Gospels and Acts. But it is good Greek, in use from Herodotus down, and always means the pupil of someone, in contrast to the master or teacher (didaskalos). See Matthew 10:24 Luke 6:40. In all cases it implies that the person not only accepts the views of the teacher, but that he is also in practice an adherent. The word has several applications. In the widest sense it refers to those who accept the teachings of anyone, not only in belief but in life. Thus the disciples of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:14 Luke 7:18 John 3:25); also of the Pharisees (Matthew 22:16 Mark 2:18 Luke 5:33); of Moses (John 9:28). But its most common use is to designate the adherents of Jesus. (a) In the widest sense (Matthew 10:42 Luke 6:17 John 6:66, and often). It is the only name for Christ's followers in the Gospels. But (b) especially the Twelve Apostles, even when they are called simply the disciples (Matthew 10:1; Matthew 11:1; Matthew 12:1, et al.). In the Acts, after the death and ascension of Jesus, disciples are those who confess Him as the Messiah, Christians (Acts 6:1, 2, 7; Acts 9:36 (feminine, mathetria); Acts 11:26, "The disciples were called Christians"). Even half-instructed believers who had been baptized only with the baptism of John are disciples (Acts 19:1-4).

(2) We have also the verb, matheteuo, "Jesus' disciple" (literally, "was discipled to Jesus," Matthew 27:57); "Make disciples of all the nations" (the King James Version "teach," Matthew 28:19); "had made many disciples" (the King James Version "taught many," Acts 14:21); "every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven" (the King James Version "instructed," Matthew 13:52). The disciple of Christ today may be described in the words of Farrar, as "one who believes His doctrines, rests upon His sacrifice, imbibes His spirit, and imitates His example."

The Old Testament has neither the term nor the exact idea, though there is a difference between teacher and scholar among David's singers (1 Chronicles 25:8), and among the prophetic guilds the distinction between the rank and file and the leader (1 Samuel 19:20 2 Kings 6:5).

G. H. Trever

3100. matheteuo -- to be a disciple, to make a disciple
... to be a disciple, to make a disciple. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: matheteuo
Phonetic Spelling: (math-ayt-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I make disciples ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3100.htm - 7k

3101. mathetes -- a disciple
... a disciple. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: mathetes Phonetic Spelling:
(math-ay-tes') Short Definition: a learner, disciple, pupil Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3101.htm - 7k

4827. summathetes -- a fellow disciple
... a fellow disciple. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: summathetes
Phonetic Spelling: (soom-math-ay-tace') Short Definition: a fellow-disciple ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4827.htm - 6k

3102. mathetria -- a female disciple
... a female disciple. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: mathetria Phonetic
Spelling: (math-ay'-tree-ah) Short Definition: a female disciple Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3102.htm - 6k

3102a. mathetria -- a female disciple
... a female disciple. Transliteration: mathetria Short Definition: disciple. Word Origin
fem. of mathetes Definition a female disciple NASB Word Usage disciple (1) ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3102a.htm - 5k

190. akoloutheo -- to follow
... From a (as a particle of union) and keleuthos (a road); properly, to be in the same
way with, ie To accompany (specially, as a disciple) -- follow, reach. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/190.htm - 8k

3404. miseo -- to hate
... 3404 , 'love less' than the Lord) his own father and mother and wife and children
and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3404.htm - 8k

4345. proskleroo -- to allot to
... Phonetic Spelling: (pros-klay-ro'-o) Short Definition: I assign by lot, allot
Definition: I assign by lot, allot, associate with, follow as a disciple. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4345.htm - 6k

4247. presbutis -- an aged woman
... 4247 -- properly, older woman, referring to the scriptural resposibility older women
(especially over 50) have to disciple younger Christian women (used only ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4247.htm - 6k

3129. manthano -- to learn
... 3129 (akin to 3101 , "a disciple") -- properly, key facts; gaining " as someone
learns from experience, often with the implication of -- 'come to realize ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3129.htm - 8k

3928. limmud -- taught
... accustomed. Word Origin from lamad Definition taught NASB Word Usage accustomed
(2), disciple (1), disciples (2), taught (1). instructed. ...
/hebrew/3928.htm - 6k

An Old Disciple
... THE ACTS CHAP. XIII TO END AN OLD DISCIPLE. '... One Mnason of Cyprus,
an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.'"Acts 21:16. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/an old disciple.htm

"That Other Disciple"
... VIII "THAT OTHER DISCIPLE". John xx.8. About fifty years ago, one of the
most distinguished of New England preachers, Horace Bushnell ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/viii that other disciple.htm

Almost a Disciple
... ALMOST A DISCIPLE. 'And when He was gone forth into the way, there came
one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him. Good Master ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/almost a disciple.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is ...
... IV. SERVICE SECTION I The Disciple, " Master, what is the real meaning of service? ...
The Disciple,"Master, what is the real meaning of service? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 4.htm

The Disciple, -- what is the Meaning and Purpose of the Cross...
... V. THE CROSS AND THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING SECTION I The Disciple, " What
is the meaning and purpose of the cross? The Disciple ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 5.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, it is Clear to Almost Everyone that to ...
... II. SIN AND SALVATION SECTION I The Disciple, " Master, it is clear
to almost everyone that to disobey God and? The Disciple ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 2.htm

The Disciple, -- Sometimes this Question is Asked, "Since God is ...
... III. PRAYER SECTION I The Disciple, " Sometimes this question is asked,
"Since God is fully aware of our? The Disciple,"Sometimes ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 3.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, what are Heaven and Hell...
... VI. HEAVEN AND HELL SECTION I The Disciple, " Master, what are heaven and hell?
The Disciple,"Master, what are heaven and hell, and where are they? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 6.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... Lesson 12 From Persecutor to Disciple. [This chapter is based on Acts 9:1-18.]
Prominent among the Jewish leaders who became thoroughly ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

Jesus and the Beloved Disciple.
... CHAPTER VI. JESUS AND THE BELOVED DISCIPLE. My Lord, my Love! in pleasant
pain How often have I said, "Blessed that John who on ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter vi jesus and the.htm

Disciple (38 Occurrences)
... A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice,
(3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matthew 10:24 ...
/d/disciple.htm - 22k

Mnason (1 Occurrence)
... He was an "old disciple" (RV, "early disciple"), ie, he had become a Christian in
the beginning of the formation of the Church in Jerusalem. Int. ...
/m/mnason.htm - 8k

Dear (120 Occurrences)
... (WEY). John 19:26 So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple who was dear to
him, he said to his mother, Mother, there is your son! (BBE NIV). ...
/d/dear.htm - 37k

Loving (292 Occurrences)
... John 19:26 Jesus, therefore, having seen 'his' mother, and the disciple standing
by, whom he was loving, he saith to his mother, 'Woman, lo, thy son;' (YLT). ...
/l/loving.htm - 36k

Sepulcher (48 Occurrences)
... John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple
whom Jesus loved, and saith to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the ...
/s/sepulcher.htm - 20k

Loved (249 Occurrences)
... John 19:26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing
there, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" (WEB KJV WEY ...
/l/loved.htm - 35k

Sepulchre (57 Occurrences)
... John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple,
whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of ...
/s/sepulchre.htm - 25k

Running (135 Occurrences)
... John 20:2 Then she went running to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple who was
loved by Jesus, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the ...
/r/running.htm - 37k

Can't (180 Occurrences)
... 26 "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't hate his own father, mother, wife, children,
brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can't be my disciple. ...
/c/can't.htm - 34k

Arimathaea (4 Occurrences)
... man.... who was looking for the kingdom of God" (Luke 23:50 Mark 15:43), and
"himself was Jesus' disciple" (Matthew 27:57 John 19:38). ...
/a/arimathaea.htm - 11k

Who was the disciple whom Jesus loved? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between a disciple and apostle? | GotQuestions.org

Disciple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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