What, If Any, Are The Differences Between An Apostle and A Disciple?

In today’s class (Sunday, Feb. 13) we had a discussion on the differences between Apostles and Disciples.  In John 6:66–67 we find that many of Jesus disciples stopped following Jesus after he described the bread of life.  Those that left could not believe or understand Jesus teaching that He was the bread of life.  However, the 12 stayed.

⁶⁶From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed  Him.  ⁶⁷“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

What this tells us is that there were more disciples of Jesus than the 12 we are most familiar with.  In fact in the early Church, followers of Jesus were called disciples.  This writer gives us more on the distinctions.

The definitions reveal the following:

Disciple

1. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
2. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.

Apostle

1. Apostle One of a group made up especially of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to preach the gospel.
2. A missionary of the early Christian Church.
3. A leader of the first Christian mission to a country or region.

Judging from these two definitions, we can see a subtle difference.  Apostles are leaders.  Disciples are followers.  The original 12 disciples of Jesus are known as the Apostles that Jesus chose to lead the mission of the early Church after Jesus death and resurrection.  He instructed them when he gave the great commission (Mark 16:15).