What Did the Disciples Say About Jesus?

The disciples of Jesus were his closest followers, who went on to spread his teachings far and wide after his death. They played a critical role in Christianity’s emergence as a major world religion. Through their words and actions, the disciples revealed a great deal about Jesus’ character, teachings, and impact on the world.

Who Were the Disciples?

Jesus had twelve disciples, who were also known as apostles. Their names were Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John (brother of James), Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas (also known as Didymus), Matthew (also known as Levi), James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the Zealot, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas son of James), and Judas Iscariot.

What Did the Disciples Say About Jesus?

The disciples saw and heard many things during their time with Jesus. They witnessed his miracles and heard his teachings firsthand. As a result, they had much to say about him.

Peter: Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and is often considered the leader of the group. He said that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16) and that he had “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

John: John was another close disciple of Jesus who wrote several books in the New Testament. He emphasized Jesus’ love for humanity and called him “the Word” who became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:1-14).

Matthew: Matthew was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ disciples. He wrote one of the four Gospels in which he emphasized how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

Thomas: Thomas is most famous for doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw him in person. After seeing Jesus, he proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

What Did the Disciples Teach About Jesus?

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples went out into the world to spread his teachings. They preached about his life, death, and resurrection and how these events were part of God’s plan to save humanity.

Peter: Peter preached about repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He also emphasized how Jesus suffered for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God (1 Peter 3:18).

John: John wrote extensively about love, emphasizing that God is love and that we should love one another as Jesus loved us (1 John 4:7-21). He also taught that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16).

Matthew: Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. He also emphasizes the importance of loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39).

The Legacy of the Disciples

The disciples’ teachings about Jesus have had a profound impact on Christianity and the world at large. Through their writings and preaching, they shared a message of hope and salvation that has endured for over two thousand years. Today, Christians around the world continue to look to their words for guidance and inspiration.