Disciple or Follower?

[Richard Aberdeen]

Greek "mathetai"; means "student", "follower". It has no special religious connotation or significance, other than that to follow Jesus is both a significant and important choice. The word in Greek can be used in reference to a follower of anybody, from Karl Marx and Charles Darwin, to Ayn Rand and Donald Trump to any Tom, Harry or Jane on the web (who would be most likely no worse of a choice to follow).

When the New Testament uses the word 'disciple", it is simply referring to the followers of Jesus and thus, the word should be correctly translated into English as "follower" or "student/follower". Translating or speaking otherwise implies an orthodox religious context where none is likely intended.

The Bible is clear that blessed are those "who" do the teaching of Jesus. It is not enough to just believe or to just be a student. One must do what Jesus says to be a follower of Jesus: "Faith without works is dead." Thus, it is fair to say that "follower" is the best English translation for the Greek "mathetai", rather than just student.

In Search of the Real Jesus
www.FreedomTracks.com/revolution.html

 

[Twistie]

“If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”

Submit yourself for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For this is the will of God, that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men… Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Faith without works is dead yep yep

 

[Twistie]

Some follow the Living God
Some follow the God of Chaos

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