The term "fellow-disciples" refers to individuals who share a common commitment to following Jesus Christ and His teachings. In the New Testament, the concept of discipleship is central to the life and mission of the early Christian community. Disciples are those who have responded to Jesus' call to "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19) and have committed themselves to learning from Him and living according to His example.

Biblical Context

The notion of being a disciple is deeply rooted in the Gospels, where Jesus calls individuals to leave their former lives and dedicate themselves to His teachings. The term "fellow-disciples" emphasizes the communal aspect of this journey, highlighting the shared experiences, struggles, and growth among those who follow Christ.

In the Gospel of John, the term "fellow-disciples" is used to describe the collective group of Jesus' followers. For instance, in John 11:16, Thomas, also known as Didymus, addresses his fellow-disciples, saying, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him" . This passage illustrates the solidarity and shared commitment among the disciples, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Characteristics of Fellow-disciples

1. Shared Faith and Purpose: Fellow-disciples are united by their faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to His mission. They are called to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

2. Mutual Support and Encouragement: The early Christian community exemplified mutual support, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This communal life provided strength and encouragement to persevere in their faith.

3. Shared Suffering and Sacrifice: Following Christ often involves suffering and sacrifice. Jesus warned His disciples of the challenges they would face, saying, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). Fellow-disciples share in these trials, supporting one another through persecution and hardship.

4. Growth in Holiness and Knowledge: Discipleship is a journey of spiritual growth and transformation. Fellow-disciples are called to grow in holiness, as they are "being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). They are also encouraged to grow in knowledge and understanding of God's Word (Colossians 1:10).

Examples in the Early Church

The Book of Acts provides numerous examples of fellow-disciples working together to advance the Gospel. The apostles, along with other believers, formed a close-knit community that shared resources, prayed together, and supported one another in ministry. Acts 4:32 describes the early church as being "one in heart and soul," demonstrating the unity and fellowship among the disciples.

Paul's epistles also highlight the importance of fellowship among believers. In Romans 12:10 , Paul exhorts the church to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love," emphasizing the familial bond among fellow-disciples. Similarly, in Philippians 1:5 , Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' "partnership in the Gospel," recognizing their shared commitment to the mission of Christ.

Conclusion

The concept of fellow-disciples underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith. As followers of Christ, believers are called to journey together, supporting and encouraging one another in their pursuit of holiness and their mission to spread the Gospel. Through shared faith, mutual support, and collective growth, fellow-disciples embody the unity and love that Christ envisioned for His Church.4827. summathetes -- a fellow disciple
... Word Origin from a comp. of sun and mathetes Definition a fellow disciple
NASB Word Usage fellow disciples (1). fellow disciple. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4827.htm - 6k

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... They have considered our Lord as inquiring of Simon whether his love exceeded
that of his fellow disciples. "Lovest thou me more ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm

I Will Follow the Order of Your Letter, and Subjoin Your Very ...
... I only wished to show your fellow-disciples who shared your lack of literary training
what progress you had made during your thirty years in the East, an ...
/.../6 i will follow the.htm

About the Discord of Philosophic Opinion, and the Concord of the ...
... Why, then, have the disciples dissented from their masters, and the fellow-disciples
from one another, except because as men they have sought after these ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 41 about the discord of.htm

John.
... [1038]. A curious tradition, which probably contains a grain of truth, traces the
composition to a request of John's fellow-disciples and elders of Ephesus. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 83 john.htm

Acts and Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Andrew.
... When, therefore, He gave it to one of our fellow-disciples, and gave an account
of things to come as if they were already present, He showed that He was to be ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of the holy apostle andrew/acts and martyrdom of the.htm

The Three Tabernacles
... He and his fellow-disciples had been called to follow Christ not that they might
see visions, but had been permitted to see visions that they might follow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/the three tabernacles.htm

Canon Muratorianus.
... When his fellow-disciples and bishops entreated him, he said, "Fast ye now with
me for the space of three days, and let us recount to each other whatever may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/caius/fragments of caius/iii canon muratorianus.htm

His Last Week
... again.". Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said unto his
fellow-disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him.". And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/his last week.htm

Introductory Note to the Epistles of Ignatius
... That he and Polycarp were fellow-disciples under St. John, is a tradition by
no means inconsistent with anything in the Epistles of either. ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the ephesians/introductory note to the epistles.htm

Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
... misery and contempt, merges his dark indictment in a cheery and expansive dawn,
in an optimistic evangel, in which he counsels his fellow-disciples to maintain ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/jowett apostolic optimism.htm

Fellowdisciples (1 Occurrence)
...Fellowdisciples (1 Occurrence). John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus,
unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. (KJV). ...
/f/fellowdisciples.htm - 6k

Fellow-disciples (1 Occurrence)
... Fellowdisciples, Fellow-disciples. Fellow-elder . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV WBS YLT). Fellowdisciples, Fellow-disciples. Fellow-elder . Reference
/f/fellow-disciples.htm - 6k

Keys (2 Occurrences)
... Is this conclusive that Jesus is here giving Peter authority for "laying down the
law for his fellow-disciples," "authority to say what the law of God allows ...
/k/keys.htm - 32k

Let's (74 Occurrences)
... John 11:16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow
disciples, "Let's go also, that we may die with him." (WEB). ...
/l/let's.htm - 27k

Fellow-citizens (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-citizens. Fellowcitizens, Fellow-citizens. Fellowdisciples . ...
Fellowcitizens, Fellow-citizens. Fellowdisciples . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-citizens.htm - 6k

Fellow-elder (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-elder. Fellow-disciples, Fellow-elder. Fellow-feeling . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Fellow-disciples, Fellow-elder. Fellow-feeling . Reference Bible
/f/fellow-elder.htm - 6k

Twin (9 Occurrences)
... Twin (9 Occurrences). John 11:16 "Let us go also," Thomas, the Twin, said to
his fellowdisciples, "that we may die with him." (WEY RSV). ...
/t/twin.htm - 10k

Didymus (3 Occurrences)
... John 11:16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellowdisciples,
"Let's go also, that we may die with him." (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/d/didymus.htm - 7k

Anguish (75 Occurrences)
... of slavery (Exodus 6:9) and Assyrian oppression (Isaiah 8:22); of the anxiety and
pain of Christian love because of the sins of fellow-disciples (2 Corinthians ...
/a/anguish.htm - 29k

Who was Thomas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Gospel of Mark - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to love one another? | GotQuestions.org

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