Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 24:68 (Spring 2020)
Article: Biblical Discipleship Explained And Illustrated By The Apostles: A Practical Approach
Author: Daniel F. Goepfrich

JODT 24:68 (Spring 2020) p. 73

Biblical Discipleship Explained
And Illustrated By The Apostles:
A Practical Approach1

Daniel F. Goepfrich

* Daniel F. Goepfrich, Th.M., advising professor, cloud campus; and, associate professor, Tyndale Learning Center, South Bend, Indiana

Make disciples. During the forty days between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus gave his eleven apostles only a few commands that are recorded in Scripture, but Matthew 28:19–20 contains the broad commission that contains the others. “Make disciples” is more than “preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15) or “be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). While it certainly includes those things, it is best explained within its context by the two participles that follow it: “baptizing them” and “teaching them to obey.”

A “disciple” is not simply a believer or convert or fan, although one must be all those things. In the fullest sense of the word, a disciple (μαθητής) is someone “who engages in learning through instruction from another,” who is “constantly associated with someone who has a pedagogical reputation or a particular set of views.” In other words, a disciple is a person who places himself or herself under the instruction of an expert or master with the goal of becoming like the one they are following.

Finding a modern term to explain this type of relationship is difficult. Words like “student” and “pupil” do not go far enough. Decades ago, a good word was “apprentice,” although today it suffers from the associated concepts of rookie, newbie, novice, or amateur. Many churches find that “follower” or “devoted” best express this idea. Surprisingly, even the New Testament writers never used the word “disciple” outside the Gospels and Acts, preferring more descriptive terms like “holy,” “saint,” or Paul’s signature phrase, those “in Christ.” For this study, the term “disciple” will be used to connect it with Jesus’ commission to the apostles.

JODT 24:68 (Spring 2020) p. 74

Defining Discipleship

Once again, the definition of a disciple is a person who places himself or herself under the instruction of an expert or master with the goal of becoming like the person they are following. Notice four key elements that biblical discipleship requires. First, discipleship occurs upon a person. While groups and classes can help create environments for discipleship (the process of becoming and being a disciple), groups cannot be...