2006-12-19 15:59:27 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
an apostle leads; a disciple follows.
2006-12-19 16:01:08 · answer #1 · answered by a heart so big 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a very general sense, there is little difference between an apostle and a disciple. The two words are sometimes used interchangeably. Both terms refer to passionate adherents of a movement or philosophy who seek to further that philosophy through teaching, and both are often used to refer to the 12 men who were the original followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
But, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "It is at once evident that in a Christian sense, everyone who had received a mission from God, or Christ, to man could be called 'Apostle.' In fact, however, it was reserved to those of the disciples who received this title from Christ." So it seems that while the 12 Apostles were disciples, not all disciples are apostles.
The word "disciple" comes from the Latin discipulus, or pupil. "Apostle" comes from the Greek word apostolos, or delegate. The word "apostle" is the closest approximation to the Aramaic word "seliah," which referred to "those who were dispatched from the mother city by the rulers of the race on any foreign mission, especially such as were charged with collecting the tribute paid to the temple service
2006-12-20 00:14:03 · answer #2 · answered by rosieC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An apostle was a "sent one" and would be the equivelent today to what we call a missionary. There were a number of New Testament Apostles beyond the 12 that Jesus had. Paul was probably the most notable of the Apostles that was not one of the 12 original.
Disciple means a disciplined one, or a mature Christian. Jesus had 12 disciples named, but again there were others distinguished as disciples throughout the New Testament.
2006-12-20 00:05:01 · answer #3 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a disciple is a follower at any time while an apostle is a founder or original disciple. The twelve apostles? there were many others but were only considered disciples. when judas was cast out, they voted another disciple to be an apostle.
2006-12-20 00:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by Eddie G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There were only 12 Apostles of Jesus, well, 14, if you count the one that replaced Judas, and Paul, who became a sort of post hoc Apostle. An apostle (little 'a') means anyone who bears the Good News to others. The word means someone who is "sent out" or "sent away."
Anyone who follows Jesus (or anyone) is a disciple. The word just means "follower." During his lifetime, Jesus probably had hundreds of disciples.
2006-12-20 00:03:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've Recieved alot of different answers. Hopefully This one will ring true and make sense. A Disciple is As most people have pointed out simply a follower of jesus Christ. (which makes apostle's desciples too.) but an Apostle is someone who holds the authority to act for and in behalf of Jesus Christ and a Special Witness Of Jesus Christ. Jesus Called Twelve Apostle's And Gave unto them the Authority to run the affiars of his church in his stead. They could ordain other Priest's and decons and evanagelists as well as other Apostle's. They Could Baptize and perform the other ordinances of Christ's Church.
2006-12-20 00:23:56 · answer #6 · answered by Nicholas C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A disciple is a serious follower of Jesus. An apostle holds one of the Headship ministry of Jesus and is a leader in the body of Christ (Ep 4:11). The twelve apostles (11 original and Matthias) of Jesus devoted themselves continually to prayers and ministry of the word (Acts 6:2,4). The hallmark of an apostle is that he preached the word with signs, wonders and miracles following.
2006-12-20 00:10:14 · answer #7 · answered by seekfind 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
apostle - any of the early followers of Jesus who carried the Christian message into the world.
disciple - one of the 12 personal followers of Christ.
After looking at my sources, I think apostle is more general and disciple more of the specific 12 followers of Jesus Christ.
2006-12-20 00:06:22 · answer #8 · answered by rU 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An Apostle is one of the 12 original people who Christ chose to follow him (Peter, John, Judas, Thomas, Matthew, etc.) A disciple is just anyone else who follows Jesus and his sayings.
2006-12-20 00:05:53 · answer #9 · answered by fliptastic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Both are considered to be disciples, but the title of Apostle goes to 12 men who were chosen directly by Jesus specifically to participate in His earthly ministry.
Disciples are followers of Jesus.
Apostles participated in ministry with Jesus.
2006-12-20 00:16:44 · answer #10 · answered by Bob L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋