What is a…
disciple

Greek: μαθητής —transliteration: mathétés —meaning: disciple

The name disciple was sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ.

A disciple of Christ is one who…

1. believes His doctrine

2. rests on His sacrifice

3. imbibes His spirit

4. imitates his example ( Matthew 10:24; Luke 14:26-27, 33; John 6:69).

Who were the 12 specifically chosen closest disciples of Jesus Christ?

1. Matthew (aka Levi)
2. Mark (aka Marcus, John, and John Mark)
3. John, a son of Zebedee and brother of James the Greater
4. James, son of Zebedee and brother of John
5. Peter (aka Simon and Simon Peter)
6. Simon the zealot (aka Zelotes)
7. Andrew
8. Bartholomew (Nathanael)
9. James, son of Alphaeus
10. Thomas
11. Judas (also called Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus)—not the same as Judas Iscariot
12. Judas Iscariot (replaced by Matthias)

More information

• What is an APOSTLE? Answer
• What is an EVANGELIST? Answer
• Who is PAUL? Answer
• Who is LUKE? Answer
• About JESUS CHRIST—Answers to frequently-asked-questions