Dear reader, it is very common in the Christian dialect; the use of the words apostle and disciple, with the same meaning; since Jesus had disciples and the twelve apostles of him, in addition to the fact that the word of the Lord refers to the twelve chosen by Jesus as disciples and then as apostles or vice versa; coming to create a confusion in its meanings. I recommend you find out what is the difference between apostle and disciple?
The difference between apostle and disciple
When we understand, the meaning of these words makes the difference clearer; many Christians do not take so much importance to these concepts; It is very important to make sure how much we really understand what is taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, in his word.
Then apostle, is a sent by Jesus Christ; also known as the messenger of the word of salvation, teaching everyone, and making disciples; becoming a spiritual father, who serves the people of God; helping them in their spiritual growth.
He is an ambassador, or representative of the kingdom that Jesus Christ brought to earth; he ministers and teaches to develop spiritual gifts of the disciples of him. Known for his ability to plant churcheswherever he preaches the gospel.
as was paul, the apostle who founded churches where he was preaching the gospel of Christ such as those of: Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, Philip, Colossae, Thessalonians, and was always attentive to their spiritual needs; he, well, he advised them and visited as many times as he could.
Being disciple, is to be willing to receive teaching through a teacher; but it is not only learning, it follows it; always defending his ideals, doctrines and methods, from his teacher. A good example is Nathanael’s call in John 1:45-51, and in verse 49 he says: “Natanael answered and said to him: Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the God of Israel.”
As a disciple, your duty is to attend to everything your teacher teaches you and put it into practice in your life.
Distinction among the servants of the Lord
The difference between these words is that the apostle has authority; Luke 9:16 says so: “He gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal diseases.” And they also have a mission to fulfill, like preaching the gospel.
Instead a disciple, the doctrine of his teacher is clearly declared to him; as Mark 4:30-34 states: “With many such parables as these he spoke the word to them, according to what they could hear. And without parables he did not speak to them, although to his disciples in particular he declared everything “. A better example is in Mark 9:30-31″Having left there, they walked through Galilee; and he didn’t want anyone to know. Because he taught his disciples.”
However, while the disciples learn apart from their teacher; an apostle speaks and teaches multitudes, the truth or a message; one disciple calls another, but the apostle converts many to his teaching and create a disciple to continue the work.
Willing apostle and disciple
what is the difference between apostle and disciple? Jesus Christ, in the way of referring to the twelve as a disciple, I advise them to remain in the truth to be true disciples and John 8:31 supports it: “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him: If you you will truly be my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
As apostles, he commanded them to make disciples throughout the world, teaching them what they had learned while they were with him; As stated in Matthew 28:19-10″Go therefore and make disciples of all nationsbaptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you every day, until the end of the world. Amen.”
Dear reader, I urge you to be good disciples of Christ; staying in your truth because only that makes us free from all the evil that surrounds this world; between being an apostle and a disciple the most important thing is to know who we are following, and following him with the heart; not seeking position or rank, but building a true character, that of a follower of Jesus Christ; inspiring others to truly know him.