The words “Christian” and “disciple” are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences according to the Bible. At the most basic level, a Christian is someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ, while a disciple is someone who learns from and closely adheres to the teachings of another. However, the Bible shows us there is more nuance to these definitions.
Christian
The term “Christian” originates from the Book of Acts, written by the apostle Luke. Acts 11:26 states, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” This indicates that “Christian” was likely first used as a nickname by outsiders to refer to the followers of Jesus Christ. The name comes from the Greek word “Christos” meaning “anointed one,” a reference to Jesus being the Messiah or Christ.
A Christian then is someone who professes faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as their Lord and Savior. They believe that Jesus was crucified for their sins and resurrected from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Christians repent of their sins and seek to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The mark of a true Christian is displaying the spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The New Testament lays out the core beliefs and behaviors that define a Christian. These include:
- Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 3:16, Romans 10:9)
- Believing in the resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
- Repenting of sins (Acts 2:38)
- Receiving the gift of salvation by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Being baptized and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
- Living in obedience to Christ’s commands (John 14:15)
- Loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39)
- Bearing spiritual fruit in one’s life (Galatians 5:22-23)
In summary, a Christian is someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and strives to follow Him in faith and obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit. The label encompasses all true believers in Christ across history, regardless of denomination or background.
Disciple
In the New Testament, the word “disciple” comes from the Greek word “mathetes” meaning “a learner” or “follower.” It refers specifically to the twelve disciples who literally followed Jesus Christ around Galilee during His earthly ministry. These disciples, later known as apostles, learned directly from Jesus for three years before He commissioned them to make more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
More broadly, a disciple is any diligent student and follower of the teachings of another. All Christians are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. This means adhering closely to His commands (Luke 14:26), denying self (Luke 9:23), bearing fruit for God’s kingdom (John 15:8), and representing Christ through words and actions (Matthew 5:16).
Some key distinctions between disciples and other followers:
- Disciples commit fully to the master, while followers may only agree partially or casually (Luke 14:33)
- Disciples emulate the life of the master, while followers may simply admire from afar (John 13:15)
- Disciples obey the master’s teachings, while followers pick and choose what to obey (John 8:31)
- Disciples develop the mindset of a servant, while followers remain self-centered (Mark 10:43-45)
- Disciples receive revelation from the master, while followers only know what’s revealed publicly (Matthew 13:11)
- Disciples multiply, while followers simply consume (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus emphasizes that being His disciple requires total commitment and a willingness to forsake all to follow Him (Luke 14:33). It is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and service empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Differences between a Christian and a Disciple
While all disciples are Christians, not all Christians are fully devoted disciples. Based on the Bible’s teachings, here are some key differences:
- Conversion – A Christian converts to faith in Christ as Savior, while a disciple undergoes a lifelong process of development.
- Commitment – A Christian believes in Christ, while a disciple commits fully to His lordship in every area of life.
- Obedience – A Christian seeks to obey Christ’s teachings, while a disciple lives in strict adherence to the commands of Christ.
- Focus – A Christian may be self-focused, while a disciple is Christ-focused in thoughts and actions.
- Knowledge – A Christian may have basic gospel knowledge, while a disciple seeks greater biblical understanding.
- Spiritual Fruit – A Christian bears some fruit, while a disciple pursues consistent spiritual growth and maturity.
- Service – A Christian serves occasionally, while a disciple engages in acts of service as a central life focus.
- Generosity – A Christian gives occasionally, while a disciple generously supports Christ’s work.
- Influence – A Christian influences episodically, while a disciple intentionally makes disciples.
Jesus emphasized that those who hold the title “disciple” will be recognized by their exceptional love, spiritual fruit, obedience to His Word, and sacrifice in serving others (John 13:35, John 15:8, Matthew 7:21-27, Matthew 20:25-28). Casual believers may be saved but not demonstrate the wholehearted commitment and lifestyle of a fully devoted disciple.
Becoming a Disciple
The Bible provides wisdom for how to progress from being a new Christian to becoming a fully surrendered disciple:
- Study the Word diligently (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Allow the Word to renew your mind and transform your life (Romans 12:2)
- Crucify your old nature and fleshly desires (Galatians 5:24)
- Cultivate your spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8)
- Pray and fast regularly (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Fellowship intimately with other believers (Acts 2:42)
- Pursue holiness and purity (2 Corinthians 7:1)
- Engage actively in ministry (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Steward resources generously for God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:3-4)
- Share your faith and make disciples (Matthew 4:19)
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to grow beyond casual Christianity into mature, reproducing disciples (Acts 1:8). It requires actively surrendering your whole life to following Jesus every day, not just believing the basics. The lifelong process of discipleship leads to blessing in this life and reward in eternity (Matthew 5:11-12).
Conclusion
All disciples of Jesus are Christians, but not all Christians have yet become full disciples. A disciple moves beyond just belief in Christ as Savior to actively patterning their entire life after Jesus in obedience, commitment, and service. Every Christian should aspire to keep progressing from basic belief to the abundant life promised those who wholeheartedly follow Christ as a disciple maker (John 10:10). We each have amazing potential to mature and be used powerfully by God when we answer the call of discipleship.