The proper signification of this word is a learner; but it
signifies in the New Testament, a believer, a Christian, a follower of
Jesus Christ. Disciple is often used instead of Apostle in the Gospels;
but, subsequently, Apostles were distinguished from disciples. The
seventy-two who followed our Saviour from the beginning, are called
disciples; as are others who were of the body of believers and bore no
office. In subsequent times, the name disciple, in the sense of learner,
was sometimes given to the κατηχουμενοι, “_auditores_,” persons who, in
the primitive church, were receiving a preparatory instruction in
Christianity. They were divided into two classes, those who received
private instruction, and those who were admitted to the congregations,
and were under immediate preparation for baptism. The church readers
were, in some places, appointed to instruct the catechumens; and at
Alexandria, where often learned men presented themselves for
instruction, the office of catechist was filled by learned laymen, and
these catechists laid the foundation of an important theological school.
signifies in the New Testament, a believer, a Christian, a follower of
Jesus Christ. Disciple is often used instead of Apostle in the Gospels;
but, subsequently, Apostles were distinguished from disciples. The
seventy-two who followed our Saviour from the beginning, are called
disciples; as are others who were of the body of believers and bore no
office. In subsequent times, the name disciple, in the sense of learner,
was sometimes given to the κατηχουμενοι, “_auditores_,” persons who, in
the primitive church, were receiving a preparatory instruction in
Christianity. They were divided into two classes, those who received
private instruction, and those who were admitted to the congregations,
and were under immediate preparation for baptism. The church readers
were, in some places, appointed to instruct the catechumens; and at
Alexandria, where often learned men presented themselves for
instruction, the office of catechist was filled by learned laymen, and
these catechists laid the foundation of an important theological school.