Synonyms: follower, learner, apprentice, pupil

The term “disciple” literally translated from the Greek word mathetes, means to be “a learner.”

A disciple is not simply an accumulator of information in regards to the teachings of Jesus Christ, but one who bases their lives on His teachings.

This is how we determine if we have truly committed our lives to Christ- if we begin taking seriously His commands and actually putting them to practice in our lives.

All those who believed and followed Christ were called ‘disciples’- Acts 6:1-2, 7

Paul originally persecuted the disciples of Christ – Acts 9:1,26

the disciples were first called ‘Christians’ in Antioch – Acts 11:26

Jesus said,
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”  -Luke 6:40

The translation ‘fully trained’ is the Greek word Katartizo which means ‘to be made complete, perfect’

In Luke 6:46 Jesus sharply rebukes those who were incorrectly addressing Him as “Lord” when they were not obeying His words.

“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” -Luke 6:46

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” -John 14:15

“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him.”
-John 14:21

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word ; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
-John 14:23

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”
-Luke 14:27