Disciple
Summary
One who professes to have learned principles from another and maintains them on that teacher's authority, applied especially to the followers of Christ.
☩Meaning and Usage
The word 'disciple' (Greek mathetes, from manthano, 'to learn') means a learner or pupil, one who follows the views of a teacher not only in belief but in practice. Scripture applies the term to followers of John the Baptist, the Pharisees, Moses, and preeminently to adherents of Jesus. It implies identification with a leader and adoption of a corresponding way of life, distinguishing true disciples from casual hearers.
☩Disciples of Christ
In its broader sense, 'disciples' refers to all who followed Jesus; in its narrower sense, it designates the Twelve specifically. After Christ's ascension, the term continued in Acts but was gradually replaced by 'saints' in reference to their holy calling and 'brethren' in reference to one another. Even imperfectly instructed believers are called disciples if they confess Christ as Messiah.
☩Requirements of Discipleship
Jesus warned against a loose use of the term, declaring 'If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples.' True discipleship demands counting the cost, hating one's own life in comparison to Christ, taking up the cross, and forsaking all. The disciple must believe Christ's doctrine, rest upon His sacrifice, imbibe His spirit, and imitate His example.
Related Verses258 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Disciple," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Disciple," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Disciple," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.George Morrish, "Disciple," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).