ANSWER:
Not every disciple is an apostle, but every apostle must first be a disciple of Jesus.
Who is a Disciple?
A disciple, by definition, is a learner—someone who sits under the teaching of another to gain knowledge, wisdom, and skill. In the biblical context, a disciple of Jesus is someone who commits to learning from Him, following His teachings, and modeling their life after His example.
However, not everyone who followed Jesus was considered His disciple. Jesus Himself set specific requirements for true discipleship. This is evident in Luke 14:25–30 (NIV):
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
From this, we see that being a disciple involves deep personal sacrifice, total commitment, and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ. It is not a casual association but a wholehearted surrender to Jesus’ Lordship.
Who is an Apostle?
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning “one who is sent.” An apostle is someone who is commissioned and sent out with a specific mission or authority.
In the New Testament, Jesus appointed twelve men from among His disciples to be apostles (see Luke 6:13), giving them authority to preach, heal, cast out demons, and lay the foundation of the Church. Their mission was not only to follow Jesus but to represent Him and spread His teachings.
After His resurrection, Jesus gave them the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV):
“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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This command was the core apostolic mandate: to extend the kingdom of God by making more disciples.
Importantly, the role of apostle did not end with the original Twelve. Even after Jesus’ ascension, others such as Paul, Barnabas (Acts 14:14), James the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25, possibly referred to as an apostle in the sense of a “messenger”) were recognized as apostles. Paul, in particular, emphasized that his apostleship was by divine calling, not by human appointment (see Galatians 1:1).
Summary:
| Role | Definition | Biblical Foundation | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disciple | A follower and learner of Christ | Luke 14:25–30 | Every believer is called to be one |
| Apostle | One who is sent with authority and a mission | Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; Gal 1:1 | Chosen and commissioned for leadership |
Modern Application
Today, all true Christians are disciples—called to follow Jesus, learn from Him, and live out His teachings. However, the apostolic office—especially in the foundational sense (as seen in Ephesians 2:20)—was unique to those appointed by Christ to establish the Church.
Nevertheless, in a broader and functional sense, many church leaders, missionaries, and pioneers who are sent out to plant churches and expand the Gospel can be said to serve in an apostolic role, though not holding the office of “apostle” in the same foundational capacity as the Twelve.
Conclusion:
The difference lies in calling and function. A disciple follows and learns; an apostle is sent and leads. One cannot be an apostle without first being a disciple, but not all disciples are called to be apostles.
Shalom.
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