Term · Bible dictionary

Disciple

A learner and follower of a teacher — and in the Gospels, anyone who follows Jesus, trusts him, and is shaped by his life and teaching.

The Greek mathētēs means a learner or pupil. In the Gospels it describes both the twelve apostles and a wider circle who followed Jesus. After his resurrection, «disciple» becomes a general term for any believer in Acts.

Jesus' Great Commission charges his followers to «make disciples of all nations» — not just to evangelize but to teach them to obey. Every Christian is a disciple, being shaped, slowly, into the likeness of Christ.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” John 8:31 “So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.”

Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.