Apostle vs. Disciple

Attribute	Apostle	Disciple
Definition	A person who is chosen and sent by Jesus to spread his teachings.	A follower or student of Jesus who learns from him and spreads his teachings.
Number	12 apostles were chosen by Jesus.	There were many disciples, including the 12 apostles.
Role	Played a significant role in the establishment of the early Christian church.	Learned from Jesus and helped spread his teachings.
Authority	Given authority by Jesus to perform miracles and heal the sick.	Did not possess the same level of authority as the apostles.
Leadership	Had leadership roles within the early Christian community.	Did not hold prominent leadership positions.
Witnesses	Witnessed Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.	Witnessed Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection.
Commissioned	Commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations.	Commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations.

Introduction

In the context of Christianity, apostles and disciples play significant roles in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. While both terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct attributes and responsibilities. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between apostles and disciples, shedding light on their roles, qualifications, and the impact they had on the early Christian movement.

Apostles

Apostles, derived from the Greek word "apostolos" meaning "one who is sent," were chosen by Jesus himself to be his closest followers and to carry out specific tasks. The apostles were a select group of twelve individuals, including Peter, James, John, and others, who witnessed Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. They were entrusted with the responsibility of spreading the Gospel and establishing the foundation of the early Christian Church.

One of the key attributes of an apostle was their direct commissioning by Jesus. They were personally chosen and called by Jesus to be his representatives on earth. This divine appointment gave them authority and credibility in their teachings and actions. The apostles were also granted the power to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons, which further validated their role as messengers of God.

Another important aspect of apostleship was their role in establishing and organizing the early Christian Church. They were instrumental in appointing leaders, resolving disputes, and spreading the teachings of Jesus to different regions. The apostles were also responsible for writing a significant portion of the New Testament, which became the foundation of Christian doctrine and theology.

Furthermore, apostles were required to have firsthand knowledge of Jesus' life, teachings, and resurrection. They were eyewitnesses to the miracles and events that took place during Jesus' ministry. This personal experience allowed them to accurately convey the message of salvation and provide a reliable account of Jesus' life and teachings.

In summary, apostles were chosen by Jesus, had divine authority, performed miracles, established the early Church, and possessed firsthand knowledge of Jesus' life and teachings.

Disciples

Disciples, on the other hand, were a larger group of followers who also believed in Jesus and his teachings. While the apostles were a subset of disciples, not all disciples were apostles. The term "disciple" comes from the Latin word "discipulus," meaning "learner" or "pupil." Disciples were individuals who sought to learn from Jesus, follow his teachings, and grow in their faith.

Unlike the apostles, disciples were not directly chosen by Jesus but rather chose to follow him. They were drawn to Jesus' message of love, forgiveness, and salvation. Discipleship involved a commitment to learning, obeying, and imitating Jesus' example. The disciples traveled with Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and listened to his teachings, which helped shape their understanding of God's kingdom.

While the apostles had a more prominent role in leadership and authority, disciples played a crucial part in supporting Jesus' ministry. They assisted in practical matters, such as providing food and shelter, and acted as messengers, spreading the message of Jesus to others. Disciples were also encouraged to share their faith and make new disciples, contributing to the growth of the early Christian movement.

Discipleship was not limited to the time Jesus physically walked the earth. After Jesus' ascension, the disciples continued to follow his teachings and spread the Gospel. They became key figures in the early Christian Church, working alongside the apostles to establish and strengthen local communities of believers.

In summary, disciples were followers of Jesus who sought to learn from him, imitate his example, and spread his teachings. They played a supportive role in Jesus' ministry and were instrumental in the growth of the early Christian Church.

Conclusion

While apostles and disciples share a common commitment to Jesus and his teachings, they have distinct attributes and responsibilities. Apostles were chosen by Jesus, had divine authority, performed miracles, established the early Church, and possessed firsthand knowledge of Jesus' life and teachings. Disciples, on the other hand, were followers who sought to learn from Jesus, imitate his example, and spread his teachings. They played a supportive role in Jesus' ministry and were instrumental in the growth of the early Christian Church.

Both apostles and disciples played vital roles in the development and spread of Christianity. Their dedication, faithfulness, and willingness to follow Jesus' teachings laid the foundation for the Christian faith we know today. Understanding the attributes and contributions of apostles and disciples helps us appreciate their significance in shaping the early Christian movement and inspires us to continue their mission of sharing the Gospel with the world.