Disciple
A follower and student of Jesus Christ — used in the Gospels both broadly, for anyone who followed his teaching, and specifically, for the Twelve Apostles he chose as his closest companions.
A Broader Circle Than the Twelve
The Gospels use "disciple" for a wide circle of people who followed Jesus and learned from him — far more than the Twelve Apostles specifically chosen from among them — including women who supported his ministry and crowds who followed him at various points, not all of whom remained committed once his teaching grew demanding. The word comes from the Latin discipulus, "student" or "learner," reflecting the master-disciple relationship common in the ancient world.
Disciple Today
Christians commonly describe themselves as disciples of Christ in an ongoing, present-tense sense — not simply people who once followed Jesus historically, but people actively learning and living according to his teaching now. "Discipleship" in this broader sense is often used interchangeably with the practical, lived commitment of the Christian life, distinct from the narrower term apostle, reserved for the Twelve (and, by extension, Paul) sent with a specific commissioned authority.
Related Saints
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
"Disciple" broadly means a follower and student of Jesus; "apostle" specifically refers to the Twelve (and, by extension, Paul) whom Jesus commissioned with a specific sent authority to preach and lead — every apostle was a disciple, but not every disciple was an apostle.
Were all of Jesus' disciples men?
No — the Gospels explicitly mention women among Jesus' followers who supported his ministry, even though the Twelve Apostles specifically were all men.