A disciple is a "learner," "follower," or "adherent" of a particular leader such as Jesus (Matthew 27:57) or even a particular teaching (e.g., Matthew 13:52, "a disciple of the kingdom of heaven"). Such prominent Greek philosophers as Aristotle and Socrates had their disciples, as did Moses (John 9:28). The idea of a disciple as one who is taught is used of Jesus twice in OT messianic prophecy (Isaiah 50:4) and once of disciples in general (Isaiah 8:16). The term Disciple(s) is applied to different groups in the NT with different senses. There were pretentious "disciples" who followed Jesus only temporarily and evidently were unbelievers (John 6:60-66; cf. 8:31-32). "Disciples" is also used to designate all men and women who are true believers in Christ, i.e., "Christians" (Acts 11:26; cf. 1:15). The twelve disciples selected by Christ were also called apostles and had a particular commission from Him (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8) with special credentials (Acts 1:22; 2 Corinthians 12:12). Judas lost his position, and "the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26) chose Matthias to replace him (John 6:70-71; Acts 1:16-26) (see also APOSTLE). "Disciple" sometimes occurs in a restricted, ideal sense of those willing to forsake all and follow Christ with total commitment (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). While the specific terminology "disciple(s)" or its other forms is found only in Matthew-Acts in the NT, the concept of discipleship is found elsewhere in the NT (e.g., 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:20-21; Philippians 3:17; I Thessalonians 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6).

This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.