Introduction

The term "disciples" in the New Testament primarily refers to the followers of Jesus Christ, particularly the Twelve Apostles, who were chosen by Jesus to be His closest companions and to carry forth His teachings. The onlookers, on the other hand, were the crowds and individuals who witnessed Jesus' ministry, miracles, and teachings but were not necessarily committed followers. Both groups played significant roles in the narrative of the Gospels and the early Christian church.

The Disciples

The Twelve Apostles are the most prominent disciples of Jesus. They were chosen by Him to be His primary students and emissaries. The Gospels list their names as Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:2-4). After Judas' betrayal and death, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26).

The disciples were called to leave their previous lives and occupations to follow Jesus. For instance, Peter and Andrew were fishermen when Jesus called them, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The disciples were witnesses to Jesus' teachings, miracles, and His resurrection, and they were commissioned to spread the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

The disciples often struggled to understand Jesus' teachings fully and displayed moments of doubt and fear. For example, when Jesus walked on water, Peter initially walked towards Him but began to sink when he doubted (Matthew 14:29-31). Despite their shortcomings, the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and became bold proclaimers of the Gospel.

Onlookers

The onlookers in the Gospels include a wide range of individuals and groups who encountered Jesus during His ministry. These include the multitudes who followed Him, seeking healing and teaching, as well as religious leaders who often opposed Him. The onlookers were witnesses to Jesus' miracles, such as the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:10-14) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11:43-45).

The reactions of the onlookers varied. Some were amazed and believed in Jesus, as seen in the account of the centurion at the crucifixion who declared, "Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54). Others were skeptical or hostile, such as the Pharisees who accused Jesus of blasphemy (Matthew 9:3).

The onlookers also included those who were curious about Jesus' identity and mission. For instance, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night to inquire about His teachings (John 3:1-2). The Samaritan woman at the well engaged in a transformative conversation with Jesus, leading her to testify to her community about Him (John 4:28-30).

Role in the Early Church

The disciples, particularly the Apostles, were foundational to the establishment of the early Christian church. They preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and provided leadership and teaching to the growing community of believers. The Book of Acts records their missionary journeys and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

The onlookers, many of whom became believers, contributed to the rapid growth of the early church. The day of Pentecost saw about three thousand souls added to the church after Peter's sermon (Acts 2:41). The testimony of those who had witnessed Jesus' ministry and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in the expansion of the Christian faith.

Conclusion

The disciples and onlookers together form a dynamic and integral part of the Gospel narrative and the early church's history. The disciples, despite their initial misunderstandings and fears, became the pillars of the Christian faith, while the onlookers, through their varied responses, illustrate the diverse reactions to Jesus' life and message.