The term "disciples" in the New Testament primarily refers to the followers of Jesus Christ, particularly the twelve men whom He chose to be His closest companions and to whom He entrusted the foundational teachings of the Christian faith. These twelve are also known as the Apostles, a term derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." The Apostles played a crucial role in the early Church, serving as the primary witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and as leaders in the spread of the Gospel.

The Twelve Apostles

The twelve Apostles are named in several passages of the New Testament, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:13-16. They are: Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John the brother of James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew (also known as Levi), Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James, or Lebbaeus), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.

Role and Mission

The Apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His primary messengers and to carry out His mission on earth. In Mark 3:14-15 , it is stated, "He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons." This passage highlights their dual role as both companions of Jesus and as emissaries of His message.

After the resurrection of Jesus, the Apostles were given the Great Commission, as 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 their responsibility to spread the teachings of Jesus and to establish the Church.

The Early Church

The Acts of the Apostles provides a detailed account of the activities of the Apostles following Jesus' ascension. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, empowering them to preach boldly and perform miracles in Jesus' name.

The Apostles were instrumental in the establishment of the early Church, as seen in Acts 2:42 : "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Their teachings, based on the direct instruction they received from Jesus, became the foundation of Christian doctrine.

Challenges and Persecution

The Apostles faced significant challenges and persecution as they carried out their mission. Acts 5:40-42 describes how they were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus, yet they continued to preach with joy and determination. The Apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, also faced numerous hardships, as he recounted in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 , detailing the trials he endured for the sake of the Gospel.

Legacy and Succession

The Apostles' legacy is evident in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Their writings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to be a source of doctrine, instruction, and inspiration for Christians worldwide. The concept of apostolic succession, the belief that the authority given to the Apostles has been passed down through the generations of church leaders, remains a significant aspect of many Christian traditions.

In summary, the Disciples, particularly the Apostles, were central figures in the life and mission of Jesus Christ and the early Church. Their faithfulness to the Great Commission and their role in establishing the Church's foundation have left an indelible mark on Christian history and theology.