Disciples and Christians
richard hesse from summerville,sc asks:
are all christians diciples;are all diciples christians?
Ray Pritchard’s answer
Excellent question, and the answer depends partly on how we define the words. The Greek word for “disciple” literally means a learner. It could in its broadest sense refer not only to Christians but also to “God-fearers” like Cornelius in Acts 10. The term “Christian” means a “Christ-follower.” In the New Testament it means one who has made a personal commitment to Christ. Given that understanding, the following statements are true:
All Christians are disciples, but not all disciples are Christians.
All Christian learn from Christ, but not all who learn from him end up following him.
Post your comment or question below.