In the New Testament, the term "disciple" primarily refers to the followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "mathētēs" is used to describe these individuals, meaning "learner" or "pupil." Discipleship in the biblical context involves a commitment to follow the teachings and example of Jesus, often requiring a radical transformation of life and priorities.

The Twelve Disciples: The most prominent group of disciples are the Twelve Apostles, whom Jesus personally selected to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission. The names of the Twelve are listed in several passages, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:13-16. They include Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.

Characteristics of Discipleship: Jesus outlined the cost and nature of discipleship in several teachings. In Luke 9:23 , He states, "If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." This call to self-denial and bearing one's cross signifies a willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice for the sake of Christ. Furthermore, in John 8:31 , Jesus says, "If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples." This emphasizes the importance of abiding in His teachings.

The Great Commission: After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to spread the Gospel to all nations. This mandate is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 : "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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This commission underscores the role of disciples not only as followers but also as active participants in the mission of evangelism and teaching.

Broader Use of "Disciple": Beyond the Twelve, the term "disciple" is used more broadly in the New Testament to describe other followers of Jesus. For instance, in Acts 6:1 , it is noted, "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number..." This indicates that the early Christian community as a whole was considered a body of disciples.

Audience

In the context of the Bible, the term "audience" can refer to the various groups and individuals who heard the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as well as those who received the written texts of Scripture. Understanding the audience is crucial for interpreting the message and intent of biblical passages.

Jesus' Audience: During His earthly ministry, Jesus addressed a diverse audience, including His disciples, the Jewish religious leaders, and the general populace. His teachings often took place in synagogues, on mountainsides, and in public spaces, reaching a wide range of listeners. For example, the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5-7, was delivered to a large crowd, including His disciples and others who had gathered to hear Him.

The Apostolic Audience: The apostles, following the Great Commission, preached to both Jews and Gentiles. The Book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles addressed different audiences, such as Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2) and Paul's speeches to both Jewish and Gentile audiences throughout his missionary journeys (Acts 13-28).

Epistolary Audience: The New Testament epistles were written to specific audiences, often addressing particular issues or concerns within early Christian communities. For instance, Paul's letters to the Corinthians were directed to the church in Corinth, addressing issues such as division, immorality, and spiritual gifts. Understanding the original audience helps in grasping the context and application of these letters.

Old Testament Audience: In the Old Testament, the audience often consisted of the Israelites, to whom the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings were addressed. The messages of the prophets, for example, were directed to the people of Israel and Judah, calling them to repentance and faithfulness to the covenant.

Contemporary Audience: While the original audiences of the Bible were specific historical groups, the messages of Scripture are considered timeless and applicable to all believers. The principles and teachings continue to speak to contemporary audiences, guiding faith and practice in the modern world.