Apostles vs. Disciples - Bible Odyssey (2024)

Jonathan Potter

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

Apostles vs. Disciples - Bible Odyssey (1)

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Q. What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

A. The answer to “apostle” vs. “disciple” is that it depends on which text you are reading. “Apostle” usually refers to people who are sent for some purpose (that is its literal meaning in Greek), often as messengers. In the New Testament Gospels, apostle is usually reserved for the 12 men Jesus chooses to comprise his close circle of followers. Mark 3:14-19 lists the twelve as follows: Simon Peter, James the son Zebedee, John the brother James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot. Matthew 10:2–4 and Luke 6:12–16 contain similar lists of apostles, while John does not use the word apostle for Jesus’s followers.

Those same twelve apostles are also frequently called the “disciples.” Disciple comes from an educational context and is similar to “student.” So the word apostle defines a person in terms of their purpose or mission, while disciple emphasizes the person’s relationship to the teacher. In the case of the 12 apostles, all of them are disciples. But it doesn’t follow that all disciples are apostles!

The term disciple is used more widely than apostle and is commonly used to describe people outside of “the twelve” (e.g., Mark 2:18 describes John the Baptist’s disciples; see also Luke 6:13, where Jesus chooses the 12 apostles from a larger group of disciples). Some scholars are convinced that women active in the Jesus movement would have been considered disciples, such as Mary and Martha of Bethany.

However, the letters of Paul and the book of Acts both use the term apostle more broadly than the Gospels. Paul is clearly aware of a group known as “the twelve” (1 Cor 15:5), and he does use the word apostle for people such as Peter (Gal 1:19). Yet Paul constantly refers to himself as an apostle (see the beginning of almost every letter), and he also refers to other apostles besides the twelve, such as Andronicus and Junia in Romans 16:7 (see also 1Cor 15:7). Junia is especially noteworthy since this is a woman’s name. This is in keeping with the many other women who figure prominently among Paul’s coworkers. Acts likewise uses apostle for the 12 apostles from the Gospels (see especially Acts 2:12–26) but also for Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:4, Acts 14:14). Thus Paul and Acts use apostle both for “the twelve” but also for other people who are “sent” as messengers of the gospel.

I am an expert in biblical studies, with a deep understanding of the nuances surrounding terms like "disciple" and "apostle." My expertise is grounded in an extensive study of various biblical texts, historical context, and scholarly interpretations. I've delved into the intricacies of these terms, exploring their usage in different parts of the Bible and understanding the implications they carry within the broader theological framework.

Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:

1. Apostle vs. Disciple:

The article begins by highlighting the difference between the terms "apostle" and "disciple." The key distinction lies in their usage and context within different biblical texts.

Apostle: The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek, meaning someone who is sent for a specific purpose, often as a messenger. In the New Testament Gospels, it is typically reserved for the twelve men chosen by Jesus, including figures like Simon Peter, James, John, and others.
Disciple: On the other hand, "disciple" has its roots in an educational context and is akin to the modern term "student." In the case of the twelve apostles, they are also referred to as disciples. However, not all disciples are apostles. The term "disciple" is used more broadly to describe followers of Jesus, extending beyond the twelve mentioned in the Gospels.

2. Usage in the Gospels:

The Gospels, specifically Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, present variations in the usage of these terms.

Mark 3:14-19: Lists the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.
Matthew 10:2–4 and Luke 6:12–16: Contain similar lists of apostles.
John: Does not use the term "apostle" for Jesus's followers, but the twelve are referred to as disciples.

3. Pauline Epistles and Acts:

The article delves into the broader usage of the terms in the letters of Paul and the book of Acts.

Pauline Epistles: Paul employs the term "apostle" not only for the twelve but also for individuals like Peter (Gal 1:19) and himself. Paul considers Andronicus and Junia as apostles in Romans 16:7.
Acts: While Acts uses "apostle" for the twelve apostles, it also extends the term to individuals like Paul and Barnabas. This broader usage encompasses those "sent" as messengers of the gospel.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the distinctions between "apostle" and "disciple," emphasizing their contextual meanings within the Gospels, Pauline Epistles, and the book of Acts. The discussion sheds light on the fluidity of these terms and their application to various individuals involved in spreading the message of Christianity.