WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DISCIPLE AND AN APOSTLE? DISCIPLE I would also like to point out that Peter mentions that it is hard for him to understand some of Pauls letters. For example, Acts 14:21 says, “When they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium.” A disciple refers to any student, pupil or follower of a leader or teacher — one who would emulate his life and pass on his teaching. Showing the world Jesus Christ and His promises. An apostle, in biblical terms, is a plenipotentiary of his master. Key difference: In Christianity, a disciple is referred to a student or a follower of Jesus and his teachings, whereas an apostle is referred to an ‘ambassador’ or a ‘preacher’ who helps in spreading Jesus’ teachings and philosophies.. Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Surprisingly, the Bible does not limit the use of this term to Jesus' innermost twelve followers or even to Paul. In the Christian Church, the identification as an apostle or disciple is very important, but these terms are not interchangeable. To be qualified as a disciple is not to follow for a time or season, No!. The apostle Paul defines the "good news" about salvation, and has some strong words about anyone who might preach something different. Here are the words of Paul. There are two interpretations on this office. How does the New Testament use the term "apostle?" Being a disciple means placing ourselves, so to speak, on the cross with Christ who came to do, not His will, but the will of His Father. In general, a disciple refers to someone who follows and spreads the teachings of another person; the Greek word for "disciple" refers to a learner. The video Snow by Rob Bell shows a great perspective on how to be a disciple of Christ. It’s interesting that neither Jesus nor the Apostle Paul used the term ‘Christian’ (or, ‘Christianity’) — and it only appears… There is a difference. The word "apostle," used eighty-one times in the New Testament, simply means "a delegate, an ambassador of the gospel, or one that is sent" (Strong's Concordance #G652). Some have denoted missionaries as apostles in the context that they deliver God’s message to the people in a distant land far from their immediate homeland. The second meaning — helping others — does have a verb in New Testament Greek: mathēteuō, to make disciples.It can mean preach the gospel so that people get converted to Christ and become Christians and, thus, disciples. Certainly all of the apostles were also disciples, but just as certain is the fact that not all of Jesus' disciples became apostles. Use a Bible dictionary as a reference. How does your "good news" compare with Paul's? What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ, much less to make more disciples? In Luke 9: 57-62 Luke 9: 57-62 [57] And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said to him, Lord, I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus chose 12 men to set the foundation for his Kingdom. Thus, the essential qualification of an apostle is being called and sent by Christ. A disciple must be totally committed to his Master. A disciple is a follower or a fan of someone. This leads to the second aspect of what it means to be a disciple, and that is that a disciple must be totally committed to his master. Paul, the apostle, is an example of a Jewish boy who was a disciple under a great scholar. Though Paul does not record that he is an apostle in l Thessalonians, he, however, does walk with the authority of Jesus Christ and as an ambassador carrying out the mission and representing Jesus with His very own authority. An apostle, if the definition is taken from the Greek root, is one who is sent forth as a messenger. the definition of an apostle Such being the case, we must go to the Bible to determine God’s will with regard to modern-day apostles. [E]veryone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. The work of the Holy Spirit is to guide the disciple in learning the truth, then to live it out in our daily lives. In addition to the divine call, the person must have been a disciple of Jesus from John’s baptism to the ascension, and specifically a witness of the resurrection ( Ac 1:21-22 ). Disciple means one that is disciplined in Gods Word... An Apostle is one that has been disciplined in the Word and sent out/forth to share Gods Word. We assume we don’t need God to interfere (unless He is willing to go along with what we want and will give us what we are asking of Him). He speaks with all the authority of the one he represents. When we talk about Discipleship, what we are referring to is dedication in following Christ Jesus. I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, just as you all are today. W hy would Jesus call Judas to be a disciple or an apostle, knowing He would betray Him? Hello Gary – I have a few posts in this series that clarify primarily what it means to be an apostle in a formal sense (e.g., the Twelve and Paul). In Christian literature and sermons, we are constantly exposed to the terms “disciple” and “apostle.”What do these titles really mean though? Often we think we know what is best for us better than God does. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE APOSTOLIC. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Foundations once … 2. Okay, so what does this mean? Basically, while all apostles are disciples, all disciples are not apostles. Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, The word disciple refers to a follower or a student. “A disciple of Jesus is a worshiper, a servant, and a witness.” Tweet. A disciple, on the other hand, is someone who chooses to be a follower or a student of Jesus. Some contend that the office of Apostles ceased after the Lord chose the original twelve, however the Bible gives us a different account. In the case of Matthias, additional qualifications come to light. A Disciple According ToIf anyone comes Jesus does not hate to me andfather and mother, wife and children,brothers and sisters—yes, even their ownlife—such a person cannot be my disciple.And whoever does not carry their crossand follow me cannot be my disciple… by Shawn Brasseaux. Discipleship Definition – Changing from the inside The important distinction with Christian discipleship is that we are not only called to learn the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are also called to live them. Jesus Calls the Twelve. In other words, to be apostolic is to be a disciple … It is a follower or a learner. They are often interchanged and taken to mean the same. A disciple is one who learns from the Master, Jesus, and then reflects what he has been taught in his daily life. The terms "disciple" and "apostle" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do, in fact, have different meanings. He must have had good reason, and He did. To put it simple, to be apostolic means to walk in the ways and teaching of Jesus the way the Apostles did. In short, an “apostle” is someone who is sent out with a message or mission. The terms ‘apostle’ and ‘disciple’ are often eased in biblical studies. Share on Facebook. A simple definition of discipleship is found in The Lexham Cultural Ontology Glossary: "The process of training people incrementally in some discipline or way of life. Saul of Tarsus was chosen by God to be an Apostle. Next we will help you understand the role of the “apostle.” A “disciple… The English term "apostle" comes from the Greek term "apostolos," and in context of the New Testament, it … "Apostle" means messenger, he who is sent. I would certainly agree that we are all “apostles” if we mean the general sense of being a “sent one,” which is what the word inherently means. Being a Disciple - Something "Extreme" This title is written from the perspective of someone who isn't a disciple. Just ordinary men who were teachable and faithful. The apostle is a special disciple of Christ who has been appointed by Christ into apostolic office. Differences in meaning. The standard definition of “disciple” (noun) is someone who adheres to the teachings of another. The words “disciple” and “apostle” are sometimes used interchangeably. What does it actually mean to be a “disciple” of Jesus? An apostle is sent to deliver or spread those teachings to others. To be Christ's disciple is to constantly share Jesus' Love everywhere and all the time. How does the Bible define and use them?“For what saith the Scriptures?”. In contrast to the LXX, the noun "apostolos" appears frequently. The term “go” does not mean “as you go” but takes with it some of the imperatival force of the main verb “make.” It is subordinate in focus to “make,” but still communicates the command to “go!” The idea of making a disciple is fleshed out more in the … If we are going to make disciples, we need to know what that is. You might consider yourself to be a disciple of your favorite yoga teacher. The terms “apostle” and “disciple” are often used interchangeably. We see direct and practical application of Jesus’ teachings in the lives and acts of the apostles. That means that a disciple is a dedicated follower of Jesus. While a disciple is a student, one who learns from a teacher, an apostle is sent to deliver those teachings to others. following His word through prayer and constantly seeking Him. It was necessary for God to establish a band of such men in order to ensure the writing of the New Testament and to lay the foundations of the church. (Luke 14:26, 27, 33) Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)