After the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were no longer called just “disciples.” They were given a new name that reflected their elevated status as followers of Christ. In this article, we’ll explore what the disciples were called after the resurrection and what it means for us today.
The Disciples Before the Resurrection
Before we dive into what the disciples were called after the resurrection, let’s take a quick look at their role before Jesus’ death and resurrection. The disciples were a group of men who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry. They learned from him, witnessed his miracles, and heard his teachings.
During this time, they were referred to simply as “disciples.” This term comes from the Greek word “mathetes,” which means “learner” or “pupil.”
The Disciples After the Resurrection
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, something changed for the disciples. They were no longer just learners or pupils; they had become something more. This is reflected in the new name they were given: “apostles.”
The term “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “one who is sent out.” In other words, an apostle is someone who has been commissioned to carry out a specific task or mission.
Jesus himself chose twelve of his disciples to be apostles, giving them a special calling and authority. In Luke 6:13-16, we see that these twelve are Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Simon’s brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew (the tax collector), Thomas (also known as Didymus), James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus).
These apostles were given a specific mission: to go out and make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20, we see Jesus commissioning his disciples with these words: “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.”
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
So what does it mean for us today that the disciples were called “apostles” after the resurrection? It means that we too have a calling and a mission as followers of Christ.
Just as the apostles were sent out to make disciples, so too are we called to share the good news of Jesus with others. We may not have the same authority as the original twelve apostles, but we still have a vital role to play in spreading the gospel.
As Paul writes in Romans 10:14-15, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” We are all called to be messengers of God’s love and grace, sharing his message with those around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were no longer just learners or pupils; they had become something more. They were given a new name – “apostles” – which reflected their new calling and mission.
As followers of Christ today, we too have a calling and a mission. We are called to share God’s love with those around us, making disciples of all nations. May we embrace this calling with joy and enthusiasm, knowing that God has chosen us for this task.