What Does Discipleship Really Mean?
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Key Facts
Term Name
Discipleship
Concept Type
Theological
Key Takeaways
- Discipleship is a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus as learner and imitator of His teachings.
- The Great Commission mandates making disciples globally through baptism, teaching, and communal mission.
- Early Christian community in Acts 2:42-47 models discipleship as shared life, fellowship, and prayer.
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship in the Bible denotes an active, lifelong commitment to follow Jesus as both learner and imitator of His teachings.
This concept is rooted in Jesus' call to "follow me" (Matthew 4:19) and His demand for total allegiance, such as "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 14:27). As relational and transformative, discipleship involves surrendering to Jesus' authority, internalizing His message through study, and embodying His values in daily life.
Such commitment often requires sacrifice and intentional community, themes that will be explored in the next section on the practical demands of discipleship.
The Great Commission and Discipleship
Matthew 28:19-20 establishes the foundational mandate for Christian discipleship, framing it as a global, generational mission rooted in baptism, teaching, and Christ’s abiding presence.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This passage positions discipleship as both a universal call—extending to "all nations"—and a lifelong process requiring initiation through baptism and sustained commitment to Christ’s teachings. The emphasis on teaching "all that I have commanded" underscores discipleship as holistic, encompassing both doctrine and practice. Furthermore, Jesus’ promise, "I am with you always, to the end of the age," reassures believers of His active presence and empowerment in this mission.
This commission reveals discipleship as a dynamic, communal enterprise that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. Its generational scope implies a continuous cycle of mentoring and growth, while its global focus challenges localized or individualistic understandings of following Christ. The next section will explore how this mandate shapes the practical demands of discipleship in everyday life and community.
Discipleship in the Early Church
The early Christian community in Acts 2:42-47 exemplifies discipleship as a collective, practice-oriented commitment rooted in shared life and mission.
In Acts 2:42-47, disciples devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, communal living, and prayer, embodying a holistic commitment to Christ’s mission. This contrasts sharply with modern tendencies to prioritize individual faith over communal accountability and collective action.
The passage highlights how first-century believers "had all things in common" (Acts 2:44) and "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42), creating a vibrant, interdependent community. Their example challenges contemporary individualistic approaches that reduce discipleship to private piety rather than shared discipleship. This communal model, however, also invites reflection on how modern churches might reclaim such practices while navigating cultural and practical complexities.
Why Discipleship Matters Today
In a world marked by spiritual complacency and fragmented identities, intentional discipleship reorients believers toward the transformative demands of following Christ.
This practice counters passivity by anchoring faith in Jesus' command to 'make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires active engagement with Scripture, communal accountability, and sacrificial service. Such commitment fosters a resilient Christian identity, resisting cultural erosion by cultivating a life shaped by 'denying self and taking up the cross daily' (Luke 14:27).
Discipleship also equips believers for mission in a secular age, empowering them to embody Christ's teachings in public and private spheres. By prioritizing relational growth and obedience, it prepares followers to navigate modern challenges while maintaining a distinct, hopeful witness.
Going Deeper
To deepen your understanding of discipleship, consider Jesus’ direct teachings on the costs and commitments involved.
In Luke 9:23-24, He declares, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me," while John 8:31-32 emphasizes abiding in His word to know the truth. For further reflection, explore spiritual formation resources like *The Practice of the Presence of God* by Brother Lawrence or Dallas Willard’s *Discipleship* to cultivate intentional discipleship habits.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus commands disciples to make followers of all nations through baptism and teaching.
Luke 14:27
Jesus demands self-denial and daily cross-bearing as prerequisites for discipleship.
Acts 2:42-47
Early disciples devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and communal living.
Related Concepts
Covenant (Theological Concepts)
Discipleship reflects a covenantal relationship with Christ, emphasizing mutual commitment.
Community (Terms)
Central to discipleship as seen in Acts 2, emphasizing shared life and accountability.
Spiritual Formation (Theological Concepts)
The process of becoming like Christ through intentional discipleship practices.