Disciples and Apostles

Luk 6:12  And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 

Luk 6:13  And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 

Jesus prayed  all night in a mountain place talking and listening to God his Father. After prayer he called his disciples. A disciple is a follower and learner of the master teacher. Out of the disciples he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles. These were chosen after praying, so he knew who he was to choose and he also knew one would betray him.

If we believe in Jesus and have had a brn again experience , then we are to be his disciples.  Te Greek word for disciples is mathētēs, a learner, pupil, disciple. Jesus spoke that to be a disciple it required discipline and determination.To be his disciple is probably life's highest pursuit. If we are to grow spiritually we need his Spirit and his teachings.

Luk 14:26  "If you come to me but will not leave your family, you cannot be my follower. You must love me more than your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—even more than your own life! 

Luk 14:27  Whoever will not carry the cross that is given to them when they follow me cannot be my follower. 

In other words, to be a disciple may find you in a place of choices. Some may oppose Jesus, especially in the early church where the Pharisees had power over the people. A Muslim coming to Jesus may experience opposition from his own family. Persecution only makes the true church to grow more.

These first twelve disciples were also called apostles. The Greek word apostolos, a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders, specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ. The apostles were chosen and sent by Jesus. Mathew, Mark, Peter and John also were chosen to write portions of the Bible. Paul was chosen to be the apostle to the Gentiles, the nations other than the Jews. An apostle must have been sent by Jesus to a specific calling. There are no new apostles today who are adding to the Bible, it is complete.

Everyone who has come to Jesus has the Holy Spirit to help them. He will show you what God and Jesus have said and will help you to understand more and to be his disciple. All have a certain calling of God as well as Spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. As a disciple we will learn of these.