The terms “disciple” and “Christian” are both key identifiers for followers of Jesus in the New Testament, but their usage and significance vary significantly. If you’ve ever wondered how often these words appear and what they mean in the original Greek, this blog post provides an in-depth look.
How Many Times is “Disciple” Used in the New Testament?
The word “disciple” is found approximately 261 times in the New Testament. Most of these occurrences are in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the Book of Acts. The term is completely absent from the epistles (letters) written by Paul, Peter, and others to the early churches.
The Greek word for disciple is “mathētēs” (μαθητής), which means “learner” or “follower.” It comes from the root verb “manthanō” (μανθάνω), meaning “to learn.” In the New Testament, a disciple is more than just a student—they are devoted followers who embrace the teachings and way of life exemplified by Jesus.
For example:
- In Matthew 10:24, Jesus teaches, “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”
- In John 8:31, He says, “If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples.”
The term underscores the deep commitment to learning and following Christ.
How Many Times is “Christian” Used in the New Testament?
The word “Christian” appears only three times in the entire New Testament:
- Acts 11:26 – “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
- Acts 26:28 – King Agrippa says to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
- 1 Peter 4:16 – “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
The Greek word for Christian is “Christianos” (Χριστιανός), which means “follower of Christ” or “belonging to Christ.” The suffix “-ianos” was commonly used in Roman culture to denote belonging, such as soldiers aligned with a particular general.
Initially, the term “Christian” may have been used by outsiders to label believers in Jesus, possibly with a derogatory tone. However, early followers of Jesus embraced it as a badge of honor, signifying their allegiance to Christ.
Key Differences Between “Disciple” and “Christian”
While “disciple” emphasizes the role of learning and following Jesus, “Christian” signifies the identity of belonging to Christ. The transition from discipleship to the identity of “Christian” reflects the growth of the early church as followers of Jesus expanded beyond Jewish communities into a broader cultural context.
The absence of the term “disciple” in the epistles highlights a shift in terminology. Early Christians were also referred to as “saints,” “believers,” or “brothers and sisters” in letters addressing church communities.
Conclusion
In the New Testament, “disciple” is a frequently used term tied closely to Jesus’ earthly ministry, while “Christian” is a rarer designation reflecting the emerging identity of Christ’s followers. Together, these terms underscore the richness of what it means to follow Jesus—both as learners and as those belonging to Him.
Understanding the Greek origins of these words helps us appreciate their depth and invites us to reflect on our role as followers of Christ today. Whether called disciples or Christians, the ultimate goal remains the same: to live as devoted followers of Jesus
