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Disciples

This is a Bible study on Disciples.     Click here for a printable Bible Study Guide.

 

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  John 15:7-11

 

 


What is a disciple?

The dictionary defines a disciple as one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.  A disciple is one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers.

When we become born-again, when we are saved by the blood Jesus shed on the cross, we too become a follower of Christ and become a disciple.

Jesus had many followers, many disciples.  The scriptures tell about the twelve disciples in his inner circle along with many other disciples.

 


What is an apostle?

The dictionary defines an apostle as one who is sent on a mission; one of an authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and make up especially of Christ's 12 original disciples and Paul.

An apostle is one who follows Christ and one who is sent on a mission of spreading the doctrine, gospel of Christ.

 


Who were the 12 apostles?

The twelve disciples were different than the other disciples, because Jesus personally choose them.  They were the apostles of Christ who went out and preached his gospel. 

Jesus ordained them personally to go and preach his word and heal the sick and diseased and cast out devils.

 

The twelve disciple/apostles of Jesus Christ were:

  1. Simon Peter
  2. Andrew
  3. James
  4. John
  5. Philip
  6. Bartholomew
  7. Thomas
  8. Matthew
  9. James
  10. Thaddaeus
  11. Simon the Canaanite
  12. Judas Iscariot  Matthias

 

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.   Matthew 10:2-4

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,  And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. Mark 3:14-19

 

The chosen 12 were both Jesus' disciples and apostles because they were both followers of Christ and also sent out on a mission.

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.   Luke 6:13-16

 

Simon Peter

Simon Peter was a fisherman and the son of Jonas.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.   Matthew 4:18-20

 

Andrew

Andrew was a fisherman and the brother of Simon Peter.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.   Matthew 4:18-20

 

James Boanerges

James was a fisherman, the brother of John, the son of Zebedee, surnamed Boanerges, which is The sons of Thunder.

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:   Mark 3:17

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.  Matthew 4:21-22

 

John

John was a fisherman, the son of Zebedee, the brother of James, surnamed Boanerges, which is the sons of thunder.

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:   Mark 3:17

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.  And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.  Matthew 4:21-22

 

Philip

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.  Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.  John 1:43-45

 

Bartholomew

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.   Matthew 10:2-4

 

Thomas

Thomas was called Didymus.

We know Thomas by another name "doubting Thomas" because he doubted that Jesus had been raised up from the dead.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:24-29

Thomas did see Jesus and he believed. 

Thomas believed that Jesus had risen from His grave, and Thomas claimed Jesus as His Lord and His God.

Maybe we should call Thomas the "believing Thomas", because his doubting was temporary, but his believing is eternal.

Believing God without seeing God is faith in God.  Jesus said, "blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed".

Are you blessed?  Do you believe in Jesus, yet you have not seen Him?  Are you a "believing Thomas"?  Have you claimed Jesus Christ as your Lord and your God?

 

Matthew

Matthew was a tax collector.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.  Matthew 9:9

 

James, the son of Alphaeus

James, the son of Alphaeus - Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13

 

Lebbaeus Thaddaeus

Lebbaeus surname was Thaddeaus - Matthew 10:3

 

Simon the Canaanite

Simon was called Zelotes and was a Canaanite - Mark 3:18

 

Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot was called the traitor because he betrayed Jesus Christ.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, John 12:4

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.  John 12:4-6

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.  John 6:70-71

 

Judas Iscariot was one of the chosen 12 apostles of Jesus.

Jesus hand picked each of His special 12 disciples.

How could anyone who lived with Christ be evil enough to betray Him?

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;   John 13:2

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.  John 13:27

 

Satan, the devil, entered into Judas Iscariot and guided him to betray Jesus.

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.  Luke 22:3

Did Jesus know Judas Iscariot would betray him?

Yes, Jesus knew who would betray him.

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.    John 6:70-71

Jesus prophesied his betrayal and death and resurrection

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.   Matthew 17:22-23

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,  And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.   Matthew 20:17-19

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.   Matthew 26:1-2

 

How did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus?

Judas Iscariot the traitor

Judas Iscariot was the apostle of Christ who betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver.

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.  And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.  Matthew 26:14-16

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.   Mark 14:10-11

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.  And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.  Luke 22:2-6

 

Jesus knows who will betray him

Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.  Matthew 26:20-25

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.  And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?  And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.  Mark 14:17-21

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.  John 13:10-11

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it.  And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him.  Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him,  Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.  He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.  John 13:21-30

But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.  And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!  And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.  Luke 22:21-23

 

Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus

Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?  Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.  Matthew 26:46-50

Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying,  Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him.  Mark 14:42-46

And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?  Luke 22:47-48

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,  John 18:2-12

 

Did Judas Iscariot receive forgiveness?

The scriptures do not say that Judas Iscariot asked for forgiveness.  The scriptures do say that he himself saw that he was condemned.

The scriptures say he repented, but not repentance unto salvation. 

Salvation is received when one repents of sin and comes to God for His salvation.  Repentance is required of salvation along with asking Jesus to forgive us of our sins and accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord over your life.  Repentance and forgiveness are required for salvation.

Judas Iscariot was sorry for things not working out as he had planned, but he didn't have godly sorrow that leads to salvation.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himselfMatthew 27:3-5

 

The scriptures say when Judas saw that he was condemned, then he repented himself.  Since he was caught in doing wrong he was sorry.

The word of God speaks about two types of sorrow:

  • Godly sorrow that brings forth repentance unto salvation and
  • The sorrow of the world that brings death.

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  2 Corinthians 7:10

The sorrow of the world that works death, is the sorrow that Judas Iscariot had.  His plans didn't work out, he may have thought that at the last minute a miracle would happen and the soldiers would not come for and arrest Jesus.

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  Acts 1:25

Judas by transgression fell.  There are always consequences to sin.  The wages of sin is death. 

 

Why did Judas Iscariot betray Christ?  To fulfil the scriptures.

And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.  Matthew 27:6-10

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.  Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.  Acts 1:16-20

 

How did Judas Iscariot die?

Judas Iscariot committed suicide.

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.  And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himselfMatthew 27:3-5

The word hanged in the scriptures means killed.  Judas Iscariot killed himself, committed suicide by falling onto a sword, because the scriptures says his bowels, his intestines, gushed out.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.  And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.  Acts 1:18-19

 

Matthias, replaced Judas Iscariot

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.  Matthew 27:3-5

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.  Acts 1:26

Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot and was numbered with the eleven apostles, he was numbered with the eleven apostles, he became the twelfth apostle.

Judas Iscariot left the twelve and betrayed Jesus.  Judas yielded to the temptation of sin presented by satan and betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  Judas followed the prompting of satan into sin.  Judas chose sin. 

For thirty pieces of silver, Judas consorted with the enemies of Christ to betray and kill him.   After Judas showed the mob which one was Jesus, with the kiss of betrayal, the mob took Jesus away to be killed.  Judas knew the consequences of his actions and repented himself.  Judas went back to the chief priests and the elders and tried to give back the thirty pieces of silver, attempting to reverse what he had done, but it was too late.  They didn't care, they didn't take the money back.  Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver down and left.  Filled with fear Judas committed suicide.

 


What was promised to the 12 disciples?

 

Twelve thrones from which to judge 12 tribes of Israel

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  Matthew 19:28

 

Names on the 12 foundations

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  Revelation 21:14

 


Why did GOD allow Judas to betray Jesus?

God sees the beginning from the end, the end from the beginning.  The plan of God is perfect.  God's ways are not our ways, God's ways are past finding out. 

 

To fulfill the scriptures.

It was God's will that Judas betray Jesus, so that:

  •  The scriptures would be fulfilled and 
  •  Jesus would receive His glory

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. Matthew 27:9-11

 


What power was given to the 12 apostles?

 

Jesus gave power to twelve disciples

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.  Matthew 10:1-4

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  Acts 4:33

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.  And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.  Luke 9:1-2

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:  Acts 1:2

 


What is the Great Commission?

The Great Commission were instructions given by Jesus to the then eleven disciples to go out into the whole world and preach the gospel of Christ and to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  And to create new followers, disciples, and teaching them to observe all things that Christ had told them.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Matthew 28:16-20

 

The great commission is for all of Christ's disciples.

As a believer of Christ, we are all disciples and so this instruction from Jesus is for all of us.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.  Matthew 9:37-38

 


Who are Jesus Christ's disciples?

Jesus had many followers who were his family and his disciples.

 

Believers of Christ Jesus

Believers who follow Jesus are disciples.

When we believe in Christ and are saved by the grace of God we not only become disciples, followers of Christ, but also we become a child of God, we are adopted into the family of God.

While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.  Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?  And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.  Matthew 12:46-50

Matthew 12:46-50 tells us that anyone - whosoever - shall do the will of God the Father is part of the family of Christ, is mother and brethren of Christ Jesus.

The will of God, the desire of God's heart, is that all men everywhere receive His free gift of salvation - John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.  To obtain salvation by Jesus Christ is the will of God for all mankind - 1 Thessalonians 5:9. 

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:26

 

 


Who were other disciples of Jesus?

 

Who were some other disciples of Jesus?

There are many scriptures in the word of God that name certain people as disciples of Christ Jesus.

 

Ananias

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.  Acts 9:10

 

Saul

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.  Acts 9:26

 

Tabitha

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.  Acts 9:36

 

Timotheus

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:  Acts 16:1

 

Joseph

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:  Matthew 27:57

 

The number of disciples were multiplied

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.  Acts 6:1

 

The Apostle Paul

The apostle Paul has an amazing history. 

Originally named Saul, he was a powerful leader and a persecutor of God, who became one of Jesus Christ's most powerful supporter.

How could a man who imprisoned and tortured and killed followers of Christ be transformed into one of the most devoted followers of Jesus?

Saul's transformation into Paul was only through the most awesome and miraculous power of God.

Scriptures tell us of Paul's miracle salvation.

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,  Acts 21:39-40

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.  And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.  And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.  And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.  For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:1-16

 

Why did God choose a sinner like Saul? 

God had a plan for Saul, to become Paul and minister the gospel of Christ, and perform special miracles.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:  Acts 19:11

We are all sinners and we are all called by Jesus, to come to Him, but not all answer His call.  God has a plan for all people, for everyone that He calls, God desires to do great and special miracles by the hands of all of His disciples. 

The Scriptures promises that all people are called by God.  Jesus calls every human being to come to Him.  Have you heard His call?  Do you hear Jesus calling your name today?  If you hear Jesus call you today, do not reject Him, say yes to Jesus today, as no one is promised a tomorrow.

Prayer responding to Jesus' call to salvation:

Jesus, I hear you call me and today I am saying yes to your call.  I believe in you.  I believe you can save me from sin and death.  I want the salvation of God.  I repent of my sin and with your help, Jesus, I will follow you all the days of my life.  Forgive my sins, cleanse me and make me your disciple today.  In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

The Scriptures promise everyone, that if you call on the name of the Lord Jesus that you will be saved.  If you prayed a prayer like this one from your heart, then you too are saved.  God desires you to be where He is today, talk to Him daily, learn from Him daily, read His word daily, and He will use you for His Kingdom in ways you never thought possible.

 


Who can be a disciple of Christ Jesus?

Any person alive can become a disciple of Christ Jesus.  It doesn't matter what you did in your past, who you think you are, all people who come to Christ to save them from sin and death, who ask Jesus to save them will be saved and be a disciple of Christ Jesus.

Jesus says anyone who will come after Him, deny self and take up his cross and follow Christ.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?   Matthew 16:24-26

 

Believe on Jesus and continue in His word

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;     John 8:31

 


How can I become a disciple of Jesus?

When one believes in Jesus for their salvation, give their life to Jesus, make Jesus their Savior and Lord, take up their cross and follow Christ, then they become a disciple of Jesus.

The children of God are disciples of Jesus, we become the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

 

Love one another

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  John 13:35

 

Bear much fruit

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.   John 15:7-11

 

Deny self, take up your cross and follow Christ

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  Matthew 16:24

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  Mark 8:34

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  Luke 9:23

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:   John 10:27

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.   John 12:26

 


Who cannot be a disciple of Christ Jesus?

 

Anyone who does NOT bear his cross and follow after Jesus cannot be His disciple.

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

Anyone who does NOT surrender all to Jesus, cannot be His disciple.

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.   Luke 14:33

 


Were there just 12 disciples?

Jesus had more than 12 disciples. 

The word of God tells us that Jesus chose 12 personal disciples, but Jesus had multitudes of disciples.  A follower of Jesus Christ, the saved in Christ Jesus are disciples.

Over and over again in the scripture there is reference to more disciples than just the inner circle 12. 

 

Whole multitude of disciples

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;  Luke 19:37

 


Can a disciple turn away from Christ?

Yes, the word of God tells us that once someone becomes a disciple of Christ Jesus (receives salvation) that they can turn away from Christ.

 

Some disciples turned away from Christ

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  John 6:66

A disciple of Christ Jesus walks with Him daily, follows Jesus daily, all the rest of our life.

 

Some shall depart from the faith

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;   1 Timothy 4:1

God promises that He will never leave His own, the word of God tells us that in the end times, in the latter days of this earth, which we are living in now, but that some shall depart from the faith, abandon God, depart from their faith in God and believe seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

 


When were the disciples called Christians?

The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.   Acts 11:26

For more information see - CHRISTIANS

 


Would you like to become a disciple of Christ?  You can if you believe in Jesus to save you and simply ask Him to save you.

Jesus, I hear you call me and today I am saying yes to your call.  I believe in you.  I believe you can save me from sin and death.  I want the salvation of God.  I repent of my sin and with your help, Jesus, I will follow you all the days of my life.  Forgive my sins, cleanse me and make me your disciple today.  In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Receive the free gift of Salvation and become a disciple of Jesus today!

For more information about the Love of God see - SALVATION


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