In the New Testament, the term "disciples" generally refers to the followers of Jesus Christ. While the Twelve Apostles are the most prominent group of disciples, the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles mention other disciples who played significant roles in the early Christian community. These individuals, though not part of the Twelve, contributed to the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church.

The Seventy-Two Disciples

One of the key groups of disciples beyond the Twelve is the Seventy-Two, sometimes referred to as the Seventy. In Luke 10:1, Jesus appoints seventy-two others and sends them out two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. This mission underscores the broader scope of Jesus' ministry and the involvement of a larger group of followers in His work. The Seventy-Two were given authority to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God, as seen in Luke 10:9: "Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’"

Women Disciples

The Gospels also highlight the presence of women among Jesus' followers. Notable among them are Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who supported Jesus and the Twelve out of their own means (Luke 8:2-3). Mary Magdalene is particularly significant, as she is the first to witness the resurrected Christ and is commissioned to announce His resurrection to the apostles (John 20:16-18). These women exemplify the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and the important roles women played in the early Church.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are two disciples who, though not part of the Twelve, are mentioned in the context of Jesus' burial. Joseph, described as a "disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38), boldly requests Jesus' body from Pilate and provides a tomb for His burial. Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus at night (John 3:1-21), assists Joseph by bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes for the burial (John 19:39). Their actions demonstrate their devotion and courage in a time of crisis.

Matthias

Following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the remaining eleven apostles sought to restore their number to twelve. In Acts 1:21-26, Matthias is chosen by lot to replace Judas. This selection highlights the importance of maintaining the symbolic number of twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and Matthias' inclusion signifies the continuity and unity of the apostolic witness.

Ananias of Damascus

Ananias of Damascus is a disciple mentioned in Acts 9:10-19. He is instructed by the Lord in a vision to visit Saul (later Paul) and lay hands on him to restore his sight. Despite his initial hesitation due to Saul's reputation for persecuting Christians, Ananias obeys and plays a crucial role in Saul's conversion. His obedience and faith exemplify the transformative power of God's call and the role of discipleship in the early Church.

Barnabas

Barnabas, originally named Joseph, is introduced in Acts 4:36 as a Levite from Cyprus. Known for his generosity and encouragement, Barnabas sells a field he owns and lays the money at the apostles' feet. He later becomes a key figure in the early Church, particularly in Antioch, where he is sent by the Jerusalem church to encourage the new believers (Acts 11:22-24). Barnabas also plays a significant role in Paul's ministry, accompanying him on missionary journeys and advocating for him among the apostles (Acts 9:27).

Conclusion

The other disciples, though not as prominently featured as the Twelve Apostles, were integral to the early Christian movement. Their diverse backgrounds and contributions reflect the inclusive and expansive nature of Jesus' ministry and the early Church's mission. Through their faithfulness and service, these disciples helped lay the foundation for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Christian community.