Apostle vs. Disciple: What’s The Difference Between Apostle and Disciple?

What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple? What does each term mean? This article looks at the differences between these two terms and how they are used in the Bible.
Apostle vs. Disciple: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Similarities

Apostle and Disciple are two terms that can be found in the Bible. And used for the followers of Jesus. Most people use these terms interchangeably due to many similarities between these two. But Apostles and Disciples are different in many ways as well.

Let’s take a closer look at Apostles vs. Disciples

BeliefBoth have a strong belief in Jesus
Derived FromBoth are derived from the Greek Language
Current ExistenceA Disciple currently exists while Apostle doesn’t
ChoiceApostles are chosen while Disciple is called

What Is an Apostle?

What Is an Apostle? An apostle is someone who works as a messenger of God and is responsible for spreading the Gospel. This Gospel is the teaching of Jesus Christ. An Apostle is chosen, and it is considered that Jesus chose himself.

An apostle is someone who works as a messenger of God and is responsible for spreading the Gospel. This Gospel is the teaching of Jesus Christ. An Apostle is chosen, and it is considered that Jesus chose himself.

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What Is a Disciple?

What Is a Disciple? The term Disciple is used for the student. In Christianity, a Disciple is an individual who follows the teaching of the Messiah. They cannot teach or convey the message of Jesus to others as they are learning themselves.

The term Disciple is used for the student. In Christianity, a Disciple is an individual who follows the teaching of the Messiah. They cannot teach or convey the message of Jesus to others as they are learning themselves.

5 Key Differences Between Apostle and Disciple

ComponentsApostleDisciple
MeaningApostle means the messenger whom Jesus chose to convey his messageA Disciple is a follower and the student of the Messiah who is learning spiritual philosophy
EtymologyThe word “Apostles” belongs to middle English; it is a combination of old French (Apostle) and old English (Apostol)  The word “Disciple” also belongs to middle English. But it was acquired from the later half ofLatin (Discipulus) to learn from the Indo-European roots
Relation with GospelApostel is the messenger and Ambassador of the GospelMessenger and AmbassadorA Disciple is a student who is learning all the spiritual principles of the Gospel
Purpose of ExistenceApostles are chosen to spread the Gospel or spiritual teachingDisciples are the individuals who are there to evolve thereof by the learning
Movie ReferencesStarring Robert DubaiStarring Race Owens

Disciple vs. Apostle Similarities

  • Whether it is Apostle or Disciple, both have a strong belief in Jesus.
  • Both are equally aware of the “Gospel of Peace.”
  • Both of these terms are derived from the Greek Language.
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Disciple vs. Apostle Pros and Cons

Apostle Pros and Cons

Apostle Pros and Cons

Pros of Apostle

  • The position of the Apostle is one of the biggest privileges, as they have to serve Jesus Christ himself.
  • They have the glorious advantage of being the personal attendant of the Messiah and not only saw his face but ministered to his wants.

Cons of Apostle

  • Apostle has a very big responsibility on his shoulders to teach and testify of Jesus, which can be difficult.
  • There are a lot of controversies about the Apostle Paul. His identity, portraits, and his letters.

Disciple Pros and Cons

Disciple Pros and Cons

Pros of Disciple

  • The right way to know more about Jesus is to follow him properly, as the Disciples do.
  • By following Jesus, one can know his ways and begin recognizing his mark.
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Cons of Disciple

  • Disciples can get hatred from the world. And can face extra challenges and consequences.
  • Not only hatred, but Jesus also mentioned that His Disciples might face precautions like interrogation and arrest.

Comparison Chart

What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple? What does each term mean? This article looks at the differences between these two terms and how they are used in the Bible.

Comparison Video

What’s the difference between an apostle and a disciple?

Conclusion

Apostle and Disciple are two terms that can be commonly found in the Bible. Most people use these terms interchangeably. But if we look at Disciple Vs. Apostle, these both terms are different in several ways. The main difference between Apostle and Disciple is that Apostle is a messenger responsible for conveying the Gospel. At the same time, the Disciple is a student of Jesus who follows the teaching of Jesus.

Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

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