In the New Testament, the term "disciple" refers primarily to the followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "mathētēs" is used to describe these individuals who are learners or students of a teacher. The most prominent group of disciples is the Twelve Apostles, whom Jesus personally selected to be His closest followers and to whom He entrusted the foundational teachings of the Christian faith.

The Twelve Apostles: The Twelve Apostles are named 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 was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26) after his betrayal of Jesus.

Role and Mission: The disciples were called to follow Jesus, learn from His teachings, and witness His miracles. Jesus commissioned them to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1-8). After His resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Characteristics of Discipleship: Discipleship involves a commitment to follow Jesus, often requiring personal sacrifice and a willingness to bear one's cross (Luke 9:23). Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship, stating, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26). This hyperbolic language underscores the priority of allegiance to Christ above all else.

Broader Use: Beyond the Twelve, the term "disciple" is used more broadly to describe any follower of Jesus. In Acts, the early Christians are frequently referred to as disciples (Acts 6:1-2, 9:1). The term signifies a lifelong commitment to learning from and living according to the teachings of Jesus.

Crowd

In the Gospels, "crowd" or "multitude" often refers to the large groups of people who followed Jesus during His ministry. These crowds were drawn by His teachings, miracles, and the hope of healing and deliverance.

Nature of the Crowds: The crowds were diverse, consisting of people from various backgrounds and regions. They included the curious, the needy, the skeptical, and the devout. The Gospels frequently mention Jesus teaching and performing miracles in the presence of large crowds (Matthew 5:1, 14:14; Mark 2:13; Luke 5:15).

Jesus' Compassion: Jesus often demonstrated compassion for the crowds. In Matthew 9:36, it is noted, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" . This compassion led Him to teach them, heal their sick, and feed them, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21).

Mixed Reactions: The crowds' reactions to Jesus were mixed. Some were amazed and believed in Him, while others were skeptical or hostile. In John 6, after Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowd sought Him for more signs, but many turned away when He taught about being the Bread of Life (John 6:66).

Role in Jesus' Ministry: The presence of the crowds played a significant role in Jesus' ministry. They provided a context for His teachings and miracles, and their varied responses highlighted the different ways people received His message. The crowds also served as a backdrop for the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders, who feared His influence over the people (Mark 11:18).

Contrast with Disciples: While the crowds were often transient and fickle in their support, the disciples were called to a deeper, more committed relationship with Jesus. The distinction between the crowds and the disciples is evident in passages where Jesus withdraws from the crowds to teach His disciples privately (Mark 4:34).