A disciple is a person who spends much time with a teacher. A disciple learns from that teacher's character and teaching.
The disciples of Jesus followed him wherever he went. They listened to his teachings. They also obeyed his teachings.
Jesus had many disciples. However, Jesus chose twelve people to be his most significant disciples. He called these men “the apostles” (see: Matthew 10:1-2). Jesus told his disciples to make other people his disciples by teaching them all Jesus said (see: Matthew 28:19-20). Anyone who believes in Jesus and who obeys his teachings is a disciple of Jesus.
In the New Testament commentary the writers of the commentaries will use the word “disciple” or “disciples” to write about the 12 disciples only. A different word will be used to describe anyone else who believed in Jesus. That word could be “believer” or “follower.” The writers of the commentary will state clearly if they use the word “disciple” to mean anyone other than one of the 12 disciples.
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