Biblical Definition and Practice of Discipleship
Biblical Definition and Practice of Discipleship
The biblical concept of discipleship is rooted in the idea of following Jesus Christ and adhering to his teachings. A disciple is defined as one who believes in Christ's doctrine, rests on his sacrifice, imbibes his spirit, and imitates his example [1]. The term "disciple" is often associated with the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, but it also encompasses a broader circle of followers.
In the New Testament, discipleship involves a deep commitment to Jesus and his teachings. Jesus' call to discipleship is characterized by a willingness to suffer and sacrifice for his sake (Matthew 16:24) [4]. The act of discipleship is not limited to the apostles; it is a call extended to all who follow Jesus. The narrative of Acts 6 is often cited as an example of the early Christian community's organization, where the apostles appoint deacons to assist in the daily ministration, illustrating the communal aspect of discipleship [2].
The practice of discipleship involves several key elements. Firstly, it requires a personal encounter with Jesus, as seen in John 1:35-51, where the first disciples are drawn to Jesus and remain with him [6]. Secondly, discipleship involves obedience to Jesus' teachings, as emphasized in John 8:31-32, where Jesus states that true discipleship is marked by obedience to his word [3]. Thirdly, it involves a commitment to the community of believers, as seen in the concept of fellowship (koinonia) in Philippians 1:5, where the Philippian church is commended for their participation in the gospel [8].
The biblical practice of discipleship is also characterized by a process of spiritual growth and maturation. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to endure discipline and hardship as part of their discipleship journey (Hebrews 12:7-8) [5]. The early Christian community, as described in Acts 14:22, was committed to confirming the souls of the disciples, suggesting a process of spiritual nurturing and guidance [7].
The curriculum for discipleship, as outlined in Matthew 28:20, includes teaching all that Jesus commanded, emphasizing the importance of obedience to his teachings [9]. The core of discipleship is love, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:12, echoing the law and the prophets [10].
The biblical definition and practice of discipleship are thus characterized by a deep commitment to Jesus, obedience to his teachings, and a communal aspect that involves spiritual growth and nurturing. As the early Christian community demonstrates, discipleship is a journey that requires perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to learn and follow Jesus' example.
Sources
- 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).”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Deacon — The office described by this title appears in the New Testament as the correlative of bishop. [[420]Bishop] The two are mentioned together in (Philemon 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:2,8) Its original meaning implied a helper, an assistant. The bishops were the "elders," the deacons the young active men, of the church. The narrative of Acts 6 is commonly referred to as giving an account of the institution of this office. The apostles, in order to meet the complaints of the Hellenistic Jews that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration, call on the body of beli”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 8:31: 8:31-32 Discipleship is more than knowing who Jesus is. It is also about obeying his teachings (3:36; 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10). • Because Jesus is the truth (14:6), knowing him brings discernment of what is true and what is false. • set you free: The truth brings freedom from darkness, falsehood, and sin.”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 16:24: Christ, having shown his disciples that he must suffer, and that he was ready and willing to suffer, here shows them that they must suffer too, and must be ready and willing. It is a weighty discourse that we have in these verses. I. Here is the law of discipleship laid down, and the terms fixed, upon which we may have the honour and benefit of it, Mat 16:24. He said this to his disciples, not only that they might instruct others concerning it, but that by this rule they might examine their own security. Observe, 1. What it is to be a disciple of Christ; it is t”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:7: In Heb 12:7-8 the need of "chastening" or "discipline" is inculcated; in Heb 12:9, the duty of those to whom it is administered. If--The oldest manuscripts read, "With a view to chastening (that is, since God's chastisement is with a view to your chastening, that is, disciplinary amelioration) endure patiently"; so Vulgate. ALFORD translates it as indicative, not so well, "It is for chastisement that ye are enduring." dealeth with you--"beareth Himself toward you" in the very act of chastening. what son is he--"What son is there" even in ordinar”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 1:35: 1:35-51 This section introduces the template for discipleship in John’s Gospel. Disciples desired to come and see Jesus (1:39), and when they encountered him, they remained with him.”
- 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”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 1:5: Ground of his "thanking God" (Phi 1:3): "For your (continued) fellowship (that is, real spiritual participation) in (literally, 'in regard to') the Gospel from the first day (of your becoming partakers in it) until now." Believers have the fellowship of the Son of God (Co1 1:9) and of the Father (Jo1 1:3) in the Gospel, by becoming partakers of "the fellowship of the Holy Ghost" (Co2 13:14), and exercise that fellowship by acts of communion, not only the communion of the Lord's Supper, but holy liberality to brethren and ministers (Phi 4:10, Phi 4:”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:20: 28:20 Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20; 7:13-27). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23; 18:20).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:12: 7:12 the law and the prophets: The teaching of Jesus in 5:21–7:6 is the goal and true expression of the law of Moses. Love is at the core of discipleship (see also Gal 5:13-14, 18).”