Disciples and Apostles- Anita Rich
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by defining a disciple as a follower of Christ who not only heard Jesus' teachings but also lived them out daily, such as loving one another, being baptized, and treating fellow believers as family. The teacher emphasized that all apostles were disciples, but not all disciples became apostles. She then listed the original twelve apostles, noting their diverse talents and their shared love for God and His Son, and explained how Judas' betrayal led to Matthias being chosen to restore the twelve, as recorded in Acts 1:21‑26. Further, the lesson examined the qualifications for apostleship: continuous companionship with Jesus from baptism to ascension, demonstrated loyalty—illustrated by John 6:66‑68—and the ability to testify as eyewitnesses. The teacher pointed out that while modern believers are disciples, we cannot claim the apostolic office in the same way the original twelve did, because we did not walk with Jesus in the flesh. She concluded by reminding the class that all believers are called to follow Christ faithfully, even if not called to the specific apostolic role.
Key Scriptures
''But you must choose from these men, who have been with us the whole time the Lord was with us, men who have seen his resurrection.'''
''From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you want to leave too?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'''