Making of Disciples into Apostles
Dr. Stan DeKoven
The word “disciple” refers to a learner or follower. The word “apostle” means “one who is sent out.”
While Jesus was on earth, His twelve followers were called disciples. The twelve disciples followed Jesus Christ, learned from Him, and were trained by Him. After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus sent the disciples out to be His witnesses (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). They were then referred to as the twelve apostles.
Notice that before the 12 were sent out and given the title of Apostle, they were learners or followers. It seems that we have a generation that has adopted the idea that if they have a call it somehow excuses them of the process of learning and following. Many of these instant apostles have absentee fathers of the faith that never see them or even talk with them except to take their tithe.
Many would be fathers have left the idea of making disciples to seek the masses. While I agree with ministering to the masses that is not the environment in which disciples are made.
Disciples are handpicked and always are trained in small groups. The original twelve disciples/apostles are listed in Matthew 10:2-4, “These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.” The Bible also lists the twelve disciples/apostles in Mark 3:16-19 and Luke 6:13-16.
A comparison of the three passages shows a couple of minor differences in the names. It seems that Thaddaeus was also known as “Judas, son of James” (Luke 6:16) and Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3). Simon the Zealot was also known as Simon the Canaanite (Mark 3:18). Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was replaced in the twelve apostles by Matthias.
Each of these men was chosen by Jesus to be a leaner and follower first. God always chooses those who are willing to learn of Him and follow. It was important that this group remain small because they were the ones that would later be sent out to make disciples of all men.
If you have not been a learner and follower (disciple) you will have no interest in taking the time to make other disciples. Many today forsake those with a real disciple’s heart to go after the masses but the real servants heart is always found with those who, like John, can lay their head on His chest and hear His heart beat.
Like Peter, who knows the correction of the Lord and now can be trusted to be the key note speaker on the day of Pentecost, ordinary men who became extraordinary because they submitted themselves to learning and following. The twelve disciples/apostles were ordinary men whom God used in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary.
The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed Jesus Christ. After witnessing Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples/apostles into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). What was the change? The twelve apostles/disciples had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
May the same be said of us! No man or woman automatically inherits a position of Apostle or any other gifting of God because they were born into a particular family or hold a position of importance. It can’t be bought or transferred by the favor of man but must be received by those who have a servant’s heart and submit to the process.
The real test of a disciple is not elegance of speaking but; John 15:8 My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. NLT