Apostles and Disciples
The terms 'Disciple' and 'Apostle' are both significant in the context of the Bible and Christian theology, but they refer to distinct roles and groups of individuals.
Disciple
A disciple, in a broad sense, refers to a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. In the context of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, disciples are those who follow Jesus Christ, learning from His teachings and way of life. The term disciple comes from the Latin discipulus, meaning student or learner. The Greek equivalent used in the New Testament is mathētēs.
In the Gospels, Jesus calls many to follow Him as disciples, inviting them to learn from Him and to live according to His teachings. The term is not limited to the twelve closest followers of Jesus but extends to a larger group of individuals who believed in His teachings and sought to live by them. For instance, Luke 10:1 mentions that Jesus appointed seventy others and sent them out in pairs, indicating a broader circle of disciples beyond the twelve.
Apostle
The term apostle comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning one who is sent away or messenger. This term is used more specifically to refer to the twelve individuals whom Jesus chose and appointed to be His closest followers and to whom He entrusted the mission of spreading His teachings after His resurrection. The apostles were given the authority to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons as a way of affirming their testimony about Jesus Christ and His kingdom.
The distinction between disciples and apostles becomes clearer after the resurrection of Jesus. While all apostles are disciples, not all disciples are apostles. The apostles were given a specific commission by Jesus, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This commission sets the apostles apart in their role as messengers with a global mission. Furthermore, the book of Acts introduces the term apostle in a broader sense, referring to other key figures in the early church who were also considered apostles, such as Paul and Barnabas. This broader use of the term recognizes their roles as foundational leaders sent out to spread the Christian faith, though they were not part of the original twelve.
While both disciples and apostles are followers of Jesus, the term apostle denotes a specific role and mission, primarily associated with the twelve chosen by Jesus and others recognized for their foundational roles in the early church. Discipleship, on the other hand, is a broader concept that applies to all who follow Jesus' teachings and seek to live by them.