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Disciples and Apostles

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Contents

1. Discover the following and share your findings using a graph, drawings, or other creative medium:

a. A definition of an apostle and a disciple from reputable Christian literary sources.

Disciple - Someone who is called by God. “During Jesus' earthly ministry, and during the days of the early church, the term that was used most frequently to designate one of Jesus' followers was "disciple" (mathetes) 262 times.” “Called to a Relationship with God. The roots of biblical discipleship go deep into the fertile soil of God's calling. That calling is expressed in the pattern of divine initiative and human response that constitutes the heart of the biblical concept of covenant, manifested in the recurrent promise, "I will be your God, and you shall be my people." That call from Yahweh is reiterated in the call of Jesus, when he said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ( Matt 11:28 ). God has called his people to represent him on the earth, to be with him in every circumstance of life, to be transformed in personal character to be like him. That calling is at the heart of biblical discipleship, both in the Old and New Testaments.” – Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

Apostle - Someone who is sent out with a message. Pre-Christian use of the Greek term apostolos as one who is sent or a messenger is rare, more commonly it was referring to an ambassador or emissary. However the post-Christian use of the term is one sent to the churches by an authority with a message. The use of the word as a noun was found seventy-nine times in the New Testament (10 in the gospels, 28 times in Acts, 38 times in the Epistles, and three times in Revelation). Only once (Heb 3:1) is it used to refer directly to Christ. – Paraphrased from Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

b. The names of the original 12 apostles.

This is a quick and creative way to learn the names of the 12 disciples (and Matthias...and Paul).

Tune of "Jesus Loves Me"

Jesus called them one by one,

Peter, Andrew, James and John,

Next, came Philip, Thomas too,

Matthew and Bartholomew.

Chorus- Yes, Jesus called them,

Yes, Jesus called them,

He called them one by one.

James the one they called the less,

Simon, also Thaddeus,

Twelfth apostle Judas made,

Jesus was by him betrayed.

Repeat Chorus.

Matthias then took Judas' place,

To preach to men of every race,

Paul three preaching trips did make,

And went to Rome for Jesus' sake.

c. The names of some of the Old Testament disciples.

Abram (Gen 12:1), Moses (Ex 3:10), Elisha (1 Kings 19:19), there are so many more.

d. Some similarities and differences between disciples and apostles.

Similarity – Called to spread the gospel of Jesus. They are followers of Christ.

Difference – The biblical apostles were chosen from the disciples and were commissioned by Jesus. Later apostles were appointed, like Paul, Andronicus, and Junias

e. Stories that illustrate how three of the apostles fulfilled their apostolic role.

Paul – A very effective evangelist who made a serious impact wherever he went. Peter – A very passionate individual who performed miracles as he testified of the goodness of the Lord. Philip – Called spirits out of possessed people who also had four daughters who prophesied.

2. State the Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20.

a. List three specific roles this text defines as part of discipleship.

b. Brainstorm a list of New Testament stories that illustrate the different parts of the Great Commission.

c. Evaluate and list ways in which modern Christians in your area can put to practice the Great Commission.

3. Do one of the following:

a. Read Matthew 4:18-22. Briefly describe or demonstrate the biblical account of how the first disciples were called to follow Christ. Describe or demonstrate its significance and the impact it had on the future of the gospel.

b. Read Acts 2. Individually or with a group, briefly describe or demonstrate the biblical account of what took place at Pentecost. Describe or demonstrate its significance and the impact it had on the future of the gospel.

4. Read Chapter 2 of the book The Acts of the Apostles by Ellen G. White titled, “The Training of the Twelve”. Individually or with a group, outline the methods Christ used to train His disciples for service.

5. Individually or with a group, discuss some of the sacrifices made by the apostles after Christ's ascension to Heaven.

6. Read Acts 9. Based on your reading, discuss or role-play answers to the following:

a. The significance of Saul's conversion.

b. How Paul (formerly Saul) was initially viewed by his new peers and why they viewed him in this fashion.

c. The relevance of this experience as it applies to new believers today.

7. Based on your personal experience, give examples of how you can become a better disciple for Christ. In your examples, cite the steps you plan to take to accomplish your goals.

8. With a group, role-play a specific scene from the life of an apostle of your choice. Briefly explain why you chose this scene and why you think it illustrates discipleship.

9. Illustrate through drawings, sketches, or photographs the travels of Paul as he proclaimed the gospel to the world.

10. Over a one-week process, conduct a self-evaluation of the quality of your discipleship each week, rating yourself based on each statement below. Rate yourself from a scale of 1 through 10, one meaning you are very weak in that area; ten means you are very strong in that area. Upon completion, set goals for improvement.

* Your desire is to please God in all that you do.

* You have a passion to share your faith with others.

* You allow the Lord to lead your decision-making process.

* You pray every day on a regular basis.

* You spend time with the Lord through worship.

* Your life represents positive conscious choice about the temptations of the culture around you.

* You reach out to those whom are less fortunate than you.

* You are respectful to those in authority.

11. Using what you’ve learned from this honor, create a personal strategy outlining at least three ways in which you can help fulfill the Great Commission. Briefly outline your approach and share with a group.

References

AY Honors/Disciples and Apostles/Answer Key