religion
2006-08-01 11:15:22 · 5 answers · asked by kathleen b 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The Apostles were the original followers of Jesus. The usual definition says that they were those who knew him personally when he was on earth. Although many Christains limit the number to the 12 men mentioned in the bible as the chosen twelve, minus Judas who was replaced, there were others who were extremely close followers of Christ who might also be considered apostles because they knew him personally and were his followers. St Paul refers to himself as an apostle and the only time he ever "saw" Jesus was on the road to Damascus.
Disciples are all followers of Jesus Christ. The apostles were the original disciples but all Christians are disciples. I am a disciple of the living Lord Jesus Christ.
2006-08-01 19:01:58 · answer #1 · answered by Ereshkigal 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The disciples were the individuals, men and women, who followed Jesus to learn from him and help him in his ministry on earth. The twelve major disciples (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, etc.) who were designated by Jesus to a special leadership position, and who went on to build the foundations of Christianity, were the Apostles. What many forget, of course, is that there was another Apostle who neither knew nor followed Jesus in His lifetime, but who nevertheless became perhaps the most important of the group, and that is Paul.
2006-08-02 10:40:03 · answer #2 · answered by nacmanpriscasellers 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are refering to the Bible specifically.. The apostles were the original 12 (?) men chosen by Christ to follow and work with Him. Disciples, in the basic sense of the meaning, is anyone who follows a specific teaching of another. So the Apostles were also disciples. Does that make sense? :)
2006-08-01 18:27:32 · answer #3 · answered by stupidstuff619 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the disciples (people who believed) Jesus picked twelve apostles. Anyone who believes in Jesus (or who is Christian) is considered to be a disciple. The apostles were only the twelve (and Matthias when they had to replace Judas).
2006-08-02 08:57:08 · answer #4 · answered by graciegirl@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you are referring to the ancient Christian church. The apostles were officials of the church, they were leaders. They spent all their time in missionary efforts.
Disciples were believers, also called Saints, also called Christians. Every apostle was a disciple, every disciple was not necessarily an apostle (they had twelve apostles at all times, until that ancient church fell into heresy and apostasy.)
2006-08-01 18:26:53 · answer #5 · answered by Day of Acerbity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋