The Bible makes a distinction between the words “disciple” and “apostle”, though these two terms are related. A disciple is a follower and student of Jesus Christ, while an apostle is a messenger or envoy who is sent out with a special commission. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible teaches about disciples and apostles.
Disciples of Jesus
The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word mathetes, which means “a learner” or “follower.” The Gospels tell us that Jesus called twelve specific men to be His closest followers during His earthly ministry. These twelve men are known as the twelve disciples or apostles of Jesus (Matthew 10:1-4). Other passages in the Gospels refer more broadly to those who believed in Jesus as His “disciples” (John 6:66; 8:31). So in the most basic sense, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Jesus called people to become His disciples using phrases like “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19) or “Come, follow me” (Mark 1:17). He told those wanting to be His disciples that they would need to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly (Matthew 16:24). True discipleship requires submitting to Jesus’ Lordship and living in obedience to His teachings (John 8:31). Disciples are called to imitate Jesus’ life of love and service (John 13:34-35).
Characteristics of a disciple include:
- Believing that Jesus is the Messiah (John 6:69)
- Obeying Jesus’ commands (John 14:15)
- Abiding in Jesus’ love (John 15:10)
- Loving one another (John 13:34-35)
- Bearing spiritual fruit (John 15:8)
- Making disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus emphasized that His disciples would be known for their Christ-like love (John 13:35). True disciples follow Jesus faithfully, even through persecution or death (Revelation 12:11). Scripture calls every believer in Jesus to live as His committed disciple.
Apostles of Jesus
Like “disciple,” the word “apostle” also originates from the Greek language. The word apostolos means “one who is sent out with a special commission as a fully authorized representative of the sender.” The Bible records Jesus personally appointing twelve of His followers as apostles: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:2-4). Of these original twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and later committed suicide after the crucifixion (Matthew 27:3-5). He was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). Besides the twelve, Jesus also personally appointed Paul as an apostle after His ascension (Acts 9:15). Paul referred to himself as “the least of the apostles” since he persecuted the church before his dramatic conversion (1 Corinthians 15:9).
The qualifications for being an apostle included:
- Being personally selected by Jesus Christ (Mark 3:13-19)
- Accompanying Jesus during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:21-22)
- Witnessing the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:22; 1 Corinthians 9:1)
- Being commissioned by Jesus to go out as His envoy (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Performing signs, wonders and miracles to confirm their testimony (2 Corinthians 12:12)
- Enduring suffering and persecution because of their mission (1 Corinthians 4:9-13)
The New Testament apostles served a foundational role in the early church. The book of Acts describes how the apostles powerfully proclaimed the gospel and planted churches after Jesus’ ascension. The apostles appointed elders in each church and continued mentoring them (Acts 14:23). They received direct revelation from God to guide the new churches, and their teachings were considered authoritative (Acts 15:1-21; 2 Peter 3:2). The apostles became “pillars” in the growing church of God (Galatians 2:9). Their example of godly leadership provided a pattern for future church leaders.
Differences between Disciples and Apostles
While the original twelve disciples and twelve apostles were one and the same, there are some key differences between what it means to be a disciple versus an apostle:
- Selection: All believers are called to be disciples, but apostles were hand-selected by Jesus.
- Number: There can be an unlimited number of disciples, but scripture records only fifteen specific apostles (including Matthias and Paul).
- Calling: Disciples are to follow Christ’s example in their personal lives, while apostles were authorized as official messengers and church planters.
- Foundation: The teaching of the apostles provides the doctrinal foundation for the church (Ephesians 2:20). The ongoing life of a disciple builds on this foundation.
- Revelation: Apostles received special revelation to establish church doctrine and practices, while disciples grow through existing revelation and scripture.
- Miracles: Apostles performed miracles to confirm their authority, while most disciples do not possess this miraculous power.
So while all disciples during the apostolic era could be considered apostles, all apostles were disciples. After the first century, however, the qualifications for apostleship described in scripture prevent others from holding the authoritative title of “apostle” today. The office of apostle requires being directly commissioned by the resurrected Christ, which is no longer possible. But disciples are still following Jesus today by obeying His Word and living for Him.
Lessons for Disciples Today
As modern-day disciples, Christians today can learn much from the original apostles. Here are some lessons for disciples based on the apostles’ teachings and examples:
- Remain faithful to Jesus even in persecution (1 Peter 4:12-19)
- Earnestly study apostolic doctrine recorded in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
- Imitate the apostles’ commitment to prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4)
- Heed the apostles’ warnings about false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)
- Follow the apostles’ example of church unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
- Imitate the apostles’ missionary zeal in spreading the gospel (Romans 15:20)
- Remember the apostles faced trials and persecutions (1 Corinthians 4:9-13)
- Emulating the apostles by making Christ the focus of our lives (2 Corinthians 4:5)
Jesus told His apostles that those who believed in Him through their word would be blessed (John 17:20). As modern disciples, we are beneficiaries of the apostles’ faithful preaching and teaching. While not holding the same authoritative office, disciples today carry on the apostles’ mission of making disciples worldwide (Matthew 28:19-20). By following the apostolic pattern, we can live as fruitful disciples for the glory of Christ.
Conclusion
In summary, the New Testament draws a distinction between a disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ. Disciples are called to follow Jesus in faith and obedience. The apostles were authorized messengers specially commissioned by Jesus to establish the church’s foundation. While disciples and apostles shared the common bond of following Jesus, apostles were set apart through their eyewitness testimony of His resurrection and unique spiritual gifts. As modern disciples, Christians are blessed through the apostles’ teaching and called to carry on their mission. By examining the lives of the original disciples and apostles, believers today can become more devoted followers of Christ.
