One of the most fundamental theological questions is the definition of discipleship. This essay will provide a summary of New Testament theology of discipleship and although drawing its subject matter from New Testament passages and theologian comment of these passages its intention is to focus not on the narrative regarding Jesus and his disciples but on the theology expressed by Jesus.
Many scholars, such as Wilkins (2010: 159), believe that each Gospel gives a unique account of discipleship and according to Wilkins ‘the central characteristic of the disciple is belief or acceptance of Jesus’ claims vis-á-vis the Father’ (Wilkins, 2010: 212).
The Gospels
Matthew’s Gospel
In the five great discourses addressed to disciples (chs.5:3-7:27; 10:5-42: …show more content…
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (ISV)
The Great Commission
In Luke-Acts, the disciple is participant in a community. The communal nature of discipleship is shown in The Great Commission (1:12-4:22; 4:23-5:42) (Talbert, 1985: 71-72). In the Great Commission Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples? (Hull, 2007: 25-26)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28: 18 -20).
Conclusion
Simply, discipleship means learning from and following a teacher. But as has been shown the discipleship that is described in the theology of the New Testament is more complex and involves not only learning but the willingness to leave their former life and follow, to live in a community and to love each other and as the great commissioner
Many scholars, such as Wilkins (2010: 159), believe that each Gospel gives a unique account of discipleship and according to Wilkins ‘the central characteristic of the disciple is belief or acceptance of Jesus’ claims vis-á-vis the Father’ (Wilkins, 2010: 212).
The Gospels
Matthew’s Gospel
In the five great discourses addressed to disciples (chs.5:3-7:27; 10:5-42: …show more content…
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (ISV)
The Great Commission
In Luke-Acts, the disciple is participant in a community. The communal nature of discipleship is shown in The Great Commission (1:12-4:22; 4:23-5:42) (Talbert, 1985: 71-72). In the Great Commission Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples? (Hull, 2007: 25-26)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28: 18 -20).
Conclusion
Simply, discipleship means learning from and following a teacher. But as has been shown the discipleship that is described in the theology of the New Testament is more complex and involves not only learning but the willingness to leave their former life and follow, to live in a community and to love each other and as the great commissioner