While most Christians (and many influenced by the Christian perspective) associate the concept of disciples with those who follow Jesus Christ, such was not the situation in Jesus' lifetime on earth. While the word "disciples" is used frequently in the first four gospels in reference to the twelve men whom Jesus selected to be his daily, permanent followers, the word is not used exclusively for those twelve men. Sometimes the word is used in reference to others who followed Jesus (in Matthew 10 note the use of the 12 and the interchangeable use of disciples and apostles in vv. 1, 2; the understood concept he calls to their awareness in vv. 24, 25; and the broader use of the word "disciple" in v. 42; also consider Matthew 12:46-50 and John 6:66, 67).
The word is also used in the gospels in reference to those who followed John the Baptist (Matthew 11:2; Mark 2:18, 6:29; Luke 7:18; John 4:1). It is used in reference to the disciples of the Pharisees (Matthew 9:14; 22:15, 16; Mark 2:18). It is used in reference to a multitude who were Jesus' followers (Luke 19:37-40). It is also used in reference to Judas in John 12:4, and Joseph of Arimathea in Matthew 27:57 and John 19:38. John 19:38 refers to Joseph as a secret disciple. John 9:28 refers to Moses' disciples, though Moses had been dead for generations.
The point you are asked to see is this: not even the gospels use the word "disciples" exclusively as being a "faithful" follower of Jesus. Others beside Jesus had disciples, one did not have to be a living teacher to have disciples, and not all of Jesus' disciples would fit in today's concept of being Jesus' faithful follower.
When we consider Acts, the word "disciple" increases in variety of usage and meaning. "Disciples" was the common word used for what we would call Christians. In fact the word Christian is a late designation of those who followed the crucified and resurrected Jesus, and was first used in a non-Jewish city outside of Palestine (Acts 11:26). The only other place in scripture the word "Christian" is used is in 1 Peter 4:16. The point is not that Christian is an unscriptural term, but not the commonly used term in scripture.
The first problem noted that arose among those who belonged to the resurrected Jesus Christ had to do with their relationship. The Jerusalem congregation was called disciples (Acts 6:1). The problem occurred at a time when the disciples were increasing in number. It arose because the widows of Hellenistic Jewish converts (widows of disciples who had their physical origins outside of Palestine) were neglected in the daily provision of food. The widows of Hebraist Jewish disciples (widows of disciples who had their physical roots in Palestine) were not being neglected in the daily provision of food (also see Acts 4:32-35). The twelve urged the congregation of disciples to resolve the problem by selecting seven men who met two criteria.
As a result of the way they handled the problem, bringing it to resolution, three results occurred. First, the word of God continued to spread. Second, the Jerusalem disciples greatly increased in number. Third, many priests became obedient to the faith. This occurred primarily because disciples handled their problems like disciples. It was NOT that the congregation of disciples had no problems. It was that disciples acted like disciples when they had problems.
It comes as no surprise to learn that Saul took his initiative against "the disciples of the Lord" when he wished to control/destroy the church (Acts 9:1 following). Nor is it surprising that Ananias who lived in Damascus is called a disciple when the resurrected Jesus directs him to a penitent Saul (Acts 9:10). In Acts 9:36, Dorcas who lived in the city of Joppa was a disciple. Acts 11:26 informs us the disciples at Antioch were also called Christians. In Acts 11:29, the disciples at Antioch sent relief to the brethren in Judea. Acts 14:27, 28 equates the church with disciples. In Acts 18:23, Paul visited the areas of Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen the disciples. In Acts 19:8, 9 -- Paul took the disciples out of the synagogue to the school of Tyrannus to teach them daily. In Acts 20:30, Paul warned the elders at Ephesus that some of them would produce their own disciples.
The obvious question: what is a disciple?
For Thought and Discussion
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 1