apostle vs disciple

Today we will talk about apostle vs disciple. Many Christians do not know what this means. Often these terms are used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and roles in Scripture. Apostles are the special messengers of Jesus, chosen for specific ministry purposes, while disciples are learners and followers of Christ. As we engage with God’s Word and learn together, let’s seek to understand the important roles these figures play in our faith and how they continue to impact our lives today.

Apostles: The Sent Ones

The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “one who is sent out.” In the New Testament, Jesus called and ordained a group of twelve men to be His apostles. They were given authority to preach the Gospel and perform miracles, setting them apart for a unique mission. This is outlined in Matthew 10:1-4, where Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease.

This special designation was not merely about their role but also about their relationship with Christ. The apostles were witnesses to His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. In Acts 1:21-22, we see that when replacing Judas Iscariot, the requirement for a new apostle was to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection. This shows the apostles had a unique calling that required personal experience of Christ’s ministry and power.

Throughout the New Testament, we see various passages that define the function of apostles. In 1 Corinthians 9:2, Paul defends his apostleship by highlighting that he is recognized as an apostle due to his encounter with the risen Christ. This emphasizes not just the title but the significant divine authority behind their mission. Additionally, Ephesians 4:11 refers to apostles as one of the foundational roles in the Church, alongside prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, highlighting their essential function in laying the groundwork for the faith.

It’s important to note that apostolic authority isn’t transferable in the same way that other roles might be. The original apostles were chosen directly by Christ, and while there are many who lead churches and movements today, they do not hold the same unique canon of authority and witness that the original apostles had.

Disciples: Learners and Followers

On the other hand, the term “disciple” comes from the Latin “discipulus,” which means “student” or “learner.” A disciple of Jesus is someone who actively follows Christ, learns His teachings, and strives to apply them in their life. The Bible refers to many individuals as disciples, including the twelve apostles, but also includes a larger group who followed Jesus during His ministry (Luke 10:1).

Discipleship in Scripture involves a commitment to learn and grow in the ways of Jesus. As noted in Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission instructs disciples to make more disciples, teaching them to observe all Jesus commanded. This means every follower of Christ is called to some degree of discipleship, and they are to actively engage in spreading the teachings of Jesus to others.

In John 8:31, Jesus states, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” This underscores that being a disciple is about more than just believing; it’s about living out faith through obedience and a relationship with Jesus. It’s an invitation into a life-transforming journey that involves not only individual growth but also community engagement. Disciples are also encouraged to bear fruit, as highlighted in John 15:8, which states that bearing fruit glorifies God and shows that one is truly His disciple.

The Bible also offers guidance on what it means to be a disciple. Luke 14:27 speaks of the cost of discipleship, indicating that it involves self-denial and a willingness to take up one’s cross daily. This sacrifice is reflected throughout the New Testament, where disciples are called not just to believe in Jesus but to imitate Him and live out the same love and humility He demonstrated.

Differences Between Apostles and Disciples

While all apostles are indeed disciples, not all disciples are apostles. The key distinction is primarily about roles, responsibilities, and the specific commission received. Apostles were chosen by Jesus to bear witness to His work and to lay the foundation of the Church. They held a unique position of leadership and authority during the establishment of the new covenant. This is evidenced straightforwardly in Acts 2:42-43, where the apostles’ teaching resulted in miraculous signs and wonder, confirming their authority in the early church.

On the flip side, disciples encompass a broader category of followers. This includes all believers who seek to understand Jesus’ teachings and model their lives after Him. For example, the Bible often refers to the early church’s community as disciples in Acts 6:1, indicating a wider group of individuals dedicated to learning and living out the Gospel message.

The growth in numbers of disciples after Jesus’ ascension is a testament to their role in spreading His teachings. In Acts 6:7, it states, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly.” Here, we see the importance of discipleship in fulfilling the mission of the Church and engaging others to follow Christ. Discipleship is a communal journey that encourages mutual support and guidance within the body of believers.

Historical Views and Understanding

Throughout church history, there have been many interpretations of the roles of apostles and disciples. Early church fathers identified the apostles as the primary teachers and leaders of the emerging church, giving them authority similar to that of prophets in the Old Testament. This authority has been a topic of discussion as the church evolved through different traditions. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church established an apostolic succession concept, linking authority back to the original apostles through church leadership.

In contrast, the Reformation took a more egalitarian view, emphasizing that all believers are called to be disciples, stripping away some of the hierarchical structures that characterized earlier church governance. This shift focused on the priesthood of all believers, reflecting the understanding that every disciple has a role in God’s mission. This view aligns with the idea that being a disciple is not limited to a specific subgroup but is, in fact, a universal call to all followers of Jesus.

As modern Christians, we can draw from these historical views while also understanding our unique context today. The call to be a disciple remains unchanged, and individuals should strive to embody the characteristics of being a learner of Christ, sharing His message with others. Apostles, while no longer in the same original sense, remind us of the importance of strong, godly leadership in the church. The lessons learned from their experiences can inform how we engage with faith in our lives and communities.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the distinction between apostles and disciples helps clarify the roles of these groups in the early Church, as well as their relevance today. As we learn to recognize our place within this framework, we can appreciate the weight of the apostolic authority while realizing that every believer is called to be a disciple.

As disciples, we are challenged to grow in knowledge and obedience to Christ, working in community to fulfill the Great Commission. We are encouraged to make discipleship an active part of our lives, sharing the love of Jesus with others.

Ultimately, being a part of this journey, whether as an apostle-like leader or a faithful disciple, is about reflecting the character of Christ and furthering His kingdom on earth.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

apostle vs disciple