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Disciple

A Disciple is a follower of Jesus: a Christian. However, much of the current reformation project in Christianity is focused on the real meaning and nature of a Disciple, and how this type of nature can be produced in those who confess Jesus Christ.

Describing a Disciple

There is no formulaic definition of disciple given anywhere in the Biblical text. This leaves us to define the term by context.

The Greek word for disciple — μαθητής (mathētēs) — means a pupil or student enrolled formally or informally in a school as a fellowship of learners. The Jewish Rabbinical system by the time of Jesus adopted this idea of disciple, though there is no example of a disciple-teacher relationship in the Old Testament. Jesus seemed to pick up the basic form of rabbi-disciple from his contemporary context, but the term in the New Testament — where it appears only in the Gospels and Acts — takes on special meaning as a life-long1 commitment of the disciple to the person of Jesus. Not only is a disciple a learner from Jesus — they also identify with him and his mission completely:2

μαθητής always implies the existence of a personal attachment which shapes the whole life of the one described as μαθητής, and which in its particularity leaves no doubt as to who is deploying the formative power.

TDNT vol. IV, pg 441

Possible criteria from scripture:3

1. A person called directly or indirectly by Jesus or God.

Mark 1:17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”4

John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”5

John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

2. The person is committed directly to the person of Jesus, not just to his philosophy or teaching

See John 6

Major TDNT point: there was no talk of the disciples of carrying on the tradition or teachings of Jesus after his death. Not until the person of Jesus was risen and again present (to be with them always) did the disciples carry on the mission. (pg 446).

3. A person obedient to Jesus and the will of God

Mt 10:24: disciples=servants. References to disciples as “doulos” indicate obedience is required. Not representative of Rabbinical of Hellenistic equivalents.

Matt 12:46-50: indicating the disciples, who is my mother and brothers, “whoever does the will of my Father”.

John 8:25-38: “Who are you?” – Father – To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Son sets free.

4. A person who has faith in the person of Jesus

TDNT points out that Luke doesn’t use the term “disciple” in the period between the crucifixion and post-resurrection restoration because the disciples had in many ways lost their faith or faithfulness.(pp. 446-447)

5. A person willing to accept self-denial and suffering for the sake of Jesus

Matt 16:24: take up his cross and follow me

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References & Notes

  1. TDNT points out that disicipleship in the Rabbinical system was a temporary stage and once a disciple achieved mastery of the Torah, he might equal or exceed his master. However, not so with Jesus’ disciples. “For the disciple of Jesus, however, discipleship is not the first step with the promise of greater things to come. It is the fulfillment of his destiny.” (p. 448)
  2. Gerhard Kittel, Ed. “μαθητής” Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. IV. Eerdmans, 1967. p. 415-460.
  3. These are heavily influenced by the criteria set forth in TDNT.
  4. Levi’s calling in Mk 2:14 is similar.
  5. Jesus equates the Father’s drawing and enabling (v. 65) to him directly choosing the Twelve in verse 70.