Applying the Teachings of Early Church Fathers to Modern Discipleship
The concept of discipleship is rooted in biblical teachings, where a disciple is defined as a scholar or follower of Christ who believes his doctrine, rests on his sacrifice, imbibes his spirit, and imitates his example [2]. Jesus' command to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) emphasizes the importance of spreading this teaching [1].
In the early Christian church, discipleship was characterized by a deep commitment to Christ and his teachings. The apostle Paul's writings highlight the unity of believers as members of Christ's body, emphasizing that each member has a unique function and role to play in the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) [3, 4, 5]. This unity is not limited to individual churches but is a characteristic of the universal church, where believers from different backgrounds come together as one body in Christ [7].
The early church fathers, such as Calvin, emphasized the importance of passing on the knowledge of God's truth from one generation to the next. Calvin notes that parents have a duty to communicate what they have learned from the Lord to their children, thus propagating the truth of God [11]. This intergenerational transmission of faith is essential for the continuation of discipleship.
In the context of modern discipleship, the teachings of the early church fathers remain relevant. The emphasis on unity, mutual care, and the diverse roles within the body of Christ continues to be a guiding principle for Christian communities. As Adam Clarke notes, the church is a school where Christ is the chief Master, and believers are disciples or scholars being instructed in the knowledge of themselves and their God [10].
The application of these teachings to modern discipleship involves recognizing the importance of community, mentorship, and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. Believers are called to be part of a unified body, where each member plays a vital role in edifying others according to their calling and faith [6, 8]. As the apostle John writes, the observance of the commandment to love one another is essential for the subsistence of vital religion [9].
The early church fathers' understanding of discipleship as a lifelong process of learning and growth remains a valuable resource for modern Christian discipleship. By embracing this understanding, believers can deepen their commitment to Christ and his teachings, fostering a community characterized by love, unity, and mutual care.
Sources
- Matthew “Go,and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, -- Matthew 28:19”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Disciple — A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
- 1 John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 John 2:12: This new command of holy love, with the incentives thereto, may possibly be directed to the several ranks of disciples that are here accosted. The several graduates in the Christian university, the catholic church, must be sure to preserve the bond of sacred love. Or, there being an important dehortation and dissuasion to follow, without the observance of which vital religion in the love of God and love of the brethren cannot subsist, the apostle may justly seem to preface it with a solemn address to the several forms or orders in the school of Christ: let the inf”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 14:22: Confirming the souls of the disciples - The word disciple signifies literally a scholar. The Church of Christ was a school, in which Christ himself was chief Master; and his apostles subordinate teachers. All the converts were disciples or scholars, who came to this school to be instructed in the knowledge of themselves and of their God: of their duty to Him, to the Church, to society, and to themselves. After having been initiated in the principles of the heavenly doctrine, they needed line upon line, and precept upon precept, in order that they might be confirmed a”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 22.18: to posterity and that they may deliver the knowledge received through us, from hand to hand, (as we say,) to their descendants. Wherefore, it is the duty of parents to apply themselves diligently to the work of communicating what they have learned from the Lord to their children. In this manner the truth of God is to be propagated by us, so that no one may retain his knowledge for his own private use; but that each may edify others, according to his own calling, and to the measure of his faith. There is however no doubt, that the”