What is a disciple?

• A. A follower and learner who commits to learning from and living according to the teachings of a master or teacher.
• B. An apostle who writes gospels.
• C. A religious leader who presides at liturgy.
• D. Someone who performs miracles.

Answer: (A)

A disciple is a follower and learner who commits to learning from and living according to the teachings of a master or teacher. In the Christian sense, this means following Jesus, soaking up His teachings, studying Scripture, and allowing His directions to shape how you think, act, and relate to others. It’s about an ongoing relationship of learning and obedience, not just a one-time decision or a role.

This definition fits best because it centers on both learning from the teacher and living out what is learned, which is at the heart of what discipleship means in the Gospel story. An apostle is a specific messenger sent to proclaim and extend the mission, and not every disciple is an apostle. A religious leader who presides at liturgy refers to a particular office or role, not the general idea of someone who follows and learns from a teacher. A person who performs miracles describes a capability that may accompany ministry, but it’s not the defining characteristic of being a disciple, whose identity is tied to allegiance to the teacher’s instruction and way of life.