What is the difference between the apostles and disciples? This is a question that has intrigued many Christians and scholars for centuries. While both terms refer to followers of Jesus Christ, they carry distinct meanings and roles within the context of the New Testament.
In the New Testament, the term “disciple” is used more broadly to describe anyone who learns from and follows Jesus. The word itself means “learner” or “pupil.” Jesus often invited people to become His disciples, emphasizing the importance of learning from Him and following His teachings. This invitation was open to anyone, regardless of their background or social status. For example, in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
On the other hand, the term “apostle” refers to a specific group of Jesus’ closest followers who were chosen and sent out by Him to spread the message of the Gospel. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “one sent.” The apostles were given the authority and responsibility to establish and lead the early Christian churches. They were the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and were instrumental in the spread of the Christian faith.
One of the key differences between apostles and disciples is the level of authority and responsibility they held. The apostles were considered to be the foundation of the Christian church, as stated in Ephesians 2:20. They were chosen by Jesus personally and were given special roles and responsibilities. For instance, Peter, James, and John were granted the unique privilege of witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and were present during His agony in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Additionally, the apostles were responsible for performing miracles and signs to confirm the message they were preaching (e.g., Acts 2:43).
In contrast, while all disciples were called to follow Jesus and spread the Gospel, not all of them were given the same level of authority or responsibility as the apostles. Many disciples were ordinary followers who supported the apostles and the early church through their prayers, finances, and labor. For example, the disciples of John the Baptist, who later became followers of Jesus, were not considered apostles.
Another difference lies in the duration of their commitment. The apostles were with Jesus for a significant period, witnessing His ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. This close association with Jesus allowed them to receive direct teachings and guidance from Him. In contrast, the term “disciple” could refer to anyone who followed Jesus for a shorter period, such as the people who were present during His miracles or sermons.
In conclusion, the main difference between apostles and disciples lies in their roles, authority, and duration of commitment. While both terms refer to followers of Jesus, apostles were a select group of individuals chosen by Jesus to establish and lead the early Christian churches, while disciples were a broader group of people who learned from and followed Jesus. Understanding these distinctions helps us appreciate the diverse ways in which Jesus’ followers have contributed to the growth and development of the Christian faith throughout history.
