Understanding the differences between apostles and disciples is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of the New Testament and the early Christian church. These terms, while sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, hold distinct meanings and roles within the biblical narrative. Let us delve into the scriptural and doctrinal nuances to clarify these differences.
The term "disciple" comes from the Greek word "mathētēs," which means "learner" or "follower." In the New Testament, a disciple is essentially anyone who follows Jesus Christ and adheres to His teachings. This broad definition encompasses many people beyond the original twelve. For instance, in the Gospel of Luke, we read about Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples to preach the kingdom of God (Luke 10:1-24). These disciples were not part of the Twelve Apostles but were still considered disciples because they followed Jesus and His teachings.
The term "apostle," on the other hand, is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out" or "messenger." The role of an apostle is more specific and carries a more formal connotation. Apostles are chosen and commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself to carry out specific missions. The most well-known apostles are the Twelve, whom Jesus selected during His earthly ministry (Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16). These individuals were given authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons as representatives of Christ (Matthew 10:1).
One of the primary distinctions between apostles and disciples is their scope of authority and mission. Disciples are called to follow and learn from Jesus, embodying His teachings in their daily lives. Apostles, however, are entrusted with the task of spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church. This is evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His apostles to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The apostles were foundational to the church's formation, as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:20, describing the church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone."
Another key difference lies in the nature of their calling. While all apostles are disciples, not all disciples are apostles. The calling of an apostle involves a direct and personal commissioning by Jesus. For example, Paul, who is often referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles," recounts his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). This encounter was a divine commissioning that transformed Paul from a persecutor of Christians into one of the most influential apostles in Christian history.
The qualifications for apostleship also set apostles apart from other disciples. In Acts 1:21-22, when the apostles sought to replace Judas Iscariot, they established criteria for the new apostle: the person must have been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from His baptism by John until His ascension, and must be a witness to His resurrection. This requirement underscores the unique role of apostles as eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, providing firsthand testimony to the early church.
Furthermore, the apostles were endowed with unique spiritual gifts and authority. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, Paul refers to "the signs of a true apostle" as including "signs, wonders, and mighty works." These miraculous abilities authenticated their divine commissioning and distinguished them from other disciples. The apostles also had the authority to teach and interpret Jesus' teachings, a role that was crucial for the doctrinal development of the early church. Their writings, many of which are included in the New Testament, continue to serve as foundational texts for Christian doctrine and practice.
The apostles' role in the early church also involved governance and leadership. In Acts 6, we see the apostles addressing the administrative needs of the growing Christian community by appointing deacons to oversee the distribution of food. This decision reflects the apostles' responsibility not only for spiritual matters but also for the practical aspects of church life. Their leadership was vital in guiding the early church through periods of persecution and doctrinal disputes, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the apostles and elders resolved a significant theological controversy regarding Gentile converts.
In summary, while both apostles and disciples are integral to the Christian faith, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly. Disciples are followers and learners of Jesus Christ, embodying His teachings in their lives. Apostles, however, are specifically chosen and commissioned messengers, endowed with unique authority and spiritual gifts to establish and lead the early church. Their foundational role is evident in their direct commissioning by Jesus, their eyewitness testimony, their miraculous signs, and their authoritative teaching and leadership. Understanding these distinctions enriches our appreciation of the early Christian community and the enduring legacy of the apostles in shaping the faith we hold today.
