The greek word for disciple is (MATHETES) which means one who learns instructions from another. It was used in secular Greek world for an apprentice to tradesman. A disciple was not only a pupil but an adherent, hence they were spoken of as imitators of their teachers.
Every christian is called to be a disciple of Jesus and this means they will follow Jesus and put the claims of Jesus first in their lives, regardless of the cost to them selves. So a christian disciple is a person who is determined to follow Jesus christ, with the desire on learn from Him and live according to His example.
There are two kinds of christian believers in the world;
(1) The church ,
(2) And the disciples.
However,only the disciple is a true christian: And when he had found him , he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled them selves with the church, and taught much. And the disciples were called CHRISTIANS first in Antoch. (Acts 11:26).
"The disciples were called christians."
The question is , what is a disciple; for it is the disciple who is the genuine Christian.
Jesus described what he means by a disciple; And when he called the people (unto him) with his disciples also , he said unto them , whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)
If a man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren and , sisters , yea, and his own life also, he can not be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27).
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