Topical Bible: Followers

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the Bible, the term "followers" often refers to those who adhere to the teachings and example of a leader, most notably Jesus Christ. The concept of following is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing discipleship, obedience, and the imitation of Christ.

Old Testament Context

While the term "followers" is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in the relationship between leaders and their people. For example, the Israelites followed Moses as he led them out of Egypt (Exodus 12:37-38). The people were called to follow God's commandments and statutes, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:4: "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the call to follow Jesus is a recurring theme. Jesus invited individuals to become His disciples, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This call to follow was not merely a physical act but a commitment to embrace His teachings and lifestyle.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of following in the context of imitation. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he urges believers, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" . This highlights the importance of following the example of those who faithfully follow Christ.

Characteristics of Followers

1. Obedience: Followers of Christ are called to obey His teachings. Jesus emphasized this in John 14:15: "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" .

2. Self-Denial: Following Christ involves self-denial and taking up one's cross. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus states, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" .

3. Faithfulness: Followers are expected to remain faithful to Christ, even in the face of trials and persecution. Revelation 2:10 encourages believers to "Be faithful, even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" .

4. Love: Love is a defining characteristic of Christ's followers. Jesus commanded His disciples in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" .

Examples of Followers

· The Disciples: The twelve apostles are primary examples of followers who left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27-28).
· Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became a devoted follower of Christ, spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 9:1-22).
· Timothy: A young pastor mentored by Paul, Timothy is an example of a faithful follower who continued the work of the ministry (1 Timothy 4:12).

Challenges for Followers

Followers of Christ often face challenges, including persecution, temptation, and the struggle against sin. Jesus warned His followers of the cost of discipleship, stating, "In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Conclusion

The call to be a follower of Christ is a call to a transformed life, marked by obedience, love, and faithfulness. It is a journey that requires commitment and perseverance, with the promise of eternal life for those who remain steadfast.

Greek

2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... Feminine Transliteration: eritheia Phonetic Spelling: (er-ith-i'-ah) Short Definition:
ambition, rivalry Definition: (the seeking of followers and adherents by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k

3402. mimetes -- an imitator
... example. 3402 ("emulator, imitator") is always used in the NT (seven times) --
of followers of emulating a God-approved example. The ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3402.htm - 7k

1401. doulos -- a slave
... Ironically, 1401 ("bond-slave") is used with the in the NT -- namely, of believers
who live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1401.htm - 7k

3643. oligoreo -- to esteem lightly
... Job 5:17; Prov 3:11): "My son (ie true followers of the Lord), do not (3643 , negated
imperative) the training of the Lord, nor go on becoming undone when you ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3643.htm - 6k

4012. peri -- about, concerning, around (denotes place, cause or ...
... 1), because (2), behalf (4), case* (1), cause* (1), circumstances* (1), companions*
(1), concerning (48), condition* (1), connection (2), followers* (1), help ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4012.htm - 8k

3588. ho, he, to -- the
... NASB Word Usage about (2), all (5), case* (3), cause* (1), circumstances* (3),
companions* (8), condition* (1), experiences (2), far (1), followers* (1), former ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3588.htm - 8k

466. antanapleroo -- to fill up in turn
... That is, venting their on His followers because they can no longer " or spit on
His face." So they do the "next best thing": persecute (cf. 1 Jn 4:17). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/466.htm - 7k

Library

In what Sense the Followers of Manich??us Believe Him to be the ...
... Against the Epistle of Manich??us Called Fundamental. Chapter 7. "In What Sense
the Followers of Manich??us Believe Him to Be the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../chapter 7 name what sense.htm

Of Novatus and his Followers. The Novatians of Phrygia Alter the ...
... Chapter XXVIII."Of Novatus and his Followers. ... [656] Let it be noted that Novatian
was a native of Phrygia and naturally had many followers in that province. ...
/.../chapter xxviii of novatus and his.htm

Apelles and his Followers, Displeased with Our Earthly Bodies ...
... Chapter VIII."Apelles and His Followers, Displeased with Our Earthly
Bodies, Attributed to Christ a Body of a Purer Sort. How ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter viii apelles and his followers.htm

The Impostor Theudas and his Followers.
... Book II. Chapter XI."The Impostor Theudas and his Followers. 1. Luke, in
the Acts, introduces Gamaliel as saying, at the consultation ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi the impostor theudas and.htm

One of Christ's Followers Said, "Lord, Suffer Me First to Go and ...
... Address 143: One of Christ's followers said, "Lord, suffer me first to go
and bury my father"? One of Christ's followers said, "Lord ...
/.../address 143 0 0 one of christs.htm

Fellow-Followers
... Fellow-Followers. God's Problem. God needs men. ... But the leaders are few;
and what could they do without the great mass of followers? ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/fellow-followers.htm

The Doctrines of the Followers of Ptolemy and Colorbasus.
... Against Heresies: Book I Chapter XII."The doctrines of the followers of
Ptolemy and Colorbasus. 1. But the followers of Ptolemy ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii the doctrines of the.htm

His Followers Object to Me, (And
... 6. His followers object to me, (and. [3011] "Weary of work They ply the arms
of Ceres,"). that I have translated into the Latin tongue ...
/.../6 his followers object to.htm

A Sermon to Open Neglecters and Nominal Followers of Religion
... A Sermon to Open Neglecters and Nominal Followers of Religion. A Sermon (No.742).
Delivered on Lord's-day Morning, March 24th, 1866, by. CH SPURGEON,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/a sermon to open neglecters.htm

Valentinus and his Followers Derived the Principles of their ...
... Against Heresies: Book II Chapter XIV."Valentinus and his followers derived the
principles of their system from the heathen; the names only are changed. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv valentinus and his followers.htm

Thesaurus

Followers (37 Occurrences)
...Followers (37 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). Mark 10:28 "Remember," said Peter to Him,
"that we forsook everything and have become your followers." (WEY). ...
/f/followers.htm - 16k

Follower (8 Occurrences)
... fol'-o-er (mimetes): "Followers" is in the King James Version the translation of
mimetes, "to imitate" (in the New Testament in the good sense of becoming ...
/f/follower.htm - 10k

Disciple (38 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/d/disciple.htm - 22k

Persecution (22 Occurrences)
... Christ: Coming now to New Testament times, persecution was frequently foretold by
Christ, as certain to come to those who were His true disciples and followers...
/p/persecution.htm - 47k

Magus
... 6. Traditions of His Death: One tradition tells how the magician ordered his followers
to bury him in a grave, promising that if this were done, he would rise ...
/m/magus.htm - 23k

Nazarene (19 Occurrences)
... The followers of Christ were called "the sect of Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). All over
Palestine and Syria this name is still given to Christians. (see NAZARETH.). ...
/n/nazarene.htm - 18k

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Followers of Epicurus (who died at Athens BC 270),
or adherents of the Epicurean philosophy (Acts 17:18). ...
/e/epicureans.htm - 20k

People (13047 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) One's ancestors or family; kindred; relations; as, my people were English.
5. (n.) One's subjects; fellow citizens; companions; followers. ...
/p/people.htm - 14k

Christian (41 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach,
to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. ...
/c/christian.htm - 29k

Lying (203 Occurrences)
... in a lie, which, of course, is no more excusable in them than in the wicked; indeed,
it is more shameful because the righteous are professed followers of the ...
/l/lying.htm - 44k

Resources

What did Jesus mean when He described His followers as the salt of the earth? | GotQuestions.org

Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What is The Way International? | GotQuestions.org

Followers: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Followers (37 Occurrences)

Mark 4:10
When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
(See NAS)

Mark 9:41
For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.
(See NAS)

Mark 10:28
"Remember," said Peter to Him, "that we forsook everything and have become your followers."
(WEY)

Luke 6:3
"Have you never read so much as this," answered Jesus--"what David did when he and his followers were hungry;
(WEY)

Luke 6:4
how he entered the house of God and took and ate the Presented Loaves and gave some to his followers--loaves which none but the Priests are allowed to eat?"
(WEY)

Luke 11:19
But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges.
(See NIV)

Luke 23:49
But all His acquaintances, and the women who had been His followers after leaving Galilee, continued standing at a distance and looking on.
(WEY)

Acts 5:36
Years ago Theudas appeared, professing to be a person of importance, and a body of men, some four hundred in number, joined him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and annihilated.
(WEY NIV)

Acts 5:37
After him, at the time of the Census, came Judas, the Galilaean, and was the leader in a revolt. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.
(WEY NIV)

Acts 22:4
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
(See NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:16
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
(KJV WBS YLT)

1 Corinthians 10:2
All were baptized in the cloud and in the sea to be followers of Moses.
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Ephesians 5:1
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
(KJV WBS YLT)

Philippians 2:1
If then I can appeal to you as the followers of Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love and any common sharing of the Spirit, or if you have any tender-heartedness and compassion, make my joy complete by being of one mind,
(WEY)

Philippians 3:17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
(KJV WBS YLT)

1 Thessalonians 1:6
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
(KJV WBS)

1 Thessalonians 2:14
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
(KJV WBS)

Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brethren, sharers with others in a heavenly invitation, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest whose followers we profess to be.
(WEY)

Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
(KJV WBS YLT)

1 Peter 3:13
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
(KJV WBS)

Revelation 17:14
These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful."
(See NIV)

Numbers 16:5
and he spoke to Korah and to all his company, saying, "In the morning Yahweh will show who are his, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to him: even him whom he shall choose he will cause to come near to him.
(See NIV)

Numbers 16:6
Do this: take censers, Korah, and all his company;
(See NIV)

Numbers 16:16
Moses said to Korah, "You and all your company go before Yahweh, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow:
(See NIV)

Numbers 16:19
Korah assembled all the congregation against them to the door of the Tent of Meeting: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the congregation.
(See NIV)

Numbers 16:40
to be a memorial to the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger, who isn't of the seed of Aaron, comes near to burn incense before Yahweh; that he not be as Korah, and as his company: as Yahweh spoke to him by Moses.
(See NIV)

Numbers 26:9
The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against Yahweh,
(See NIV)

Numbers 26:10
and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died; what time the fire devoured two hundred fifty men, and they became a sign.
(See NIV)

Numbers 27:3
"Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against Yahweh in the company of Korah: but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons.
(See NIV)

Judges 9:4
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him.
(See NIV)

1 Samuel 12:14
If you will fear Yahweh, and serve him, and listen to his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, and both you and also the king who reigns over you are followers of Yahweh your God, well :
(WEB JPS ASV)

1 Samuel 30:22
Then all the wicked men and base fellows, of those who went with David, answered and said, "Because they didn't go with us, we will not give them anything of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that he may lead them away, and depart."
(See NIV)

1 Kings 16:22
But the people that followed Omri prevailed against the people that followed Tibni the son of Ginath; so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.
(See NIV)

Psalms 49:13
This their way 'is' folly for them, And their posterity with their sayings are pleased. Selah.
(See NIV)

Psalms 106:18
A fire was kindled in their company. The flame burned up the wicked.
(See NIV)

Daniel 11:24
In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them prey, and spoil, and substance: yes, he shall devise his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Followers

Related Terms

Follows (65 Occurrences)

Tilleth (2 Occurrences)

Ranges (5 Occurrences)

Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences)

Devils (48 Occurrences)

Followers (37 Occurrences)

Worthless (103 Occurrences)

Master (346 Occurrences)

Satisfied (110 Occurrences)