[CKG]

The word “disciple” is used 226 times in the gospels yet never used in Paul's epistles. It’s interesting that Paul never says if you will do something you will become a disciple, but rather he exhorts us to walk based on what is already fact; in light of the truths of what has already been accomplished through the cross of Christ.

[Fredoheaven]

Originally Posted by CKG

The word “disciple” is used 226 times in the gospels yet never used in Paul's epistles. It’s interesting that Paul never says if you will do something you will become a disciple, but rather he exhorts us to walk based on what is already fact; in light of the truths of what has already been accomplished through the cross of Christ.

Disciples are called followers. In the New Testament, it may applied to the followers of John the Baptist(Matthew 9:14) or our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt.16:24;Matthew 8:23. In the sense, these disicples followed the lifestyles of their leader. For Paul, he still carried the idea of discipleship when he said in "be ye followers of me" (1 Corinthians 4:16). Why Paul did not use the term "disciple"? Simply because, he was not chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly mininstry (Matthew 10:1). The terminolgy may be differrent but the meaning and the application is still the same. God bless...

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

[CKG]

I think it also had to do with Jesus' earthly ministry being mostly before the cross and the new birth. The perspective of Paul's writings (which he received from Jesus) were after the cross and were directed towards those who had been saved and born again. The thrust of his teachings were now that you are saved, these things are now true of you (sins forgiven, born again, sealed with the Spirit, righteousness of Christ, dead to sin, new creature....etc); now walk in the light of these truths as opposed to:

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)

Also those born again are sealed with the Spirit unto the day of redemption while not all of Jesus' disciples continued with him.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66)

[Forrest]

Originally Posted by CKG

I think it also had to do with Jesus' earthly ministry being mostly before the cross and the new birth. The perspective of Paul's writings (which he received from Jesus) were after the cross and were directed towards those who had been saved and born again. The thrust of his teachings were now that you are saved, these things are now true of you (sins forgiven, born again, sealed with the Spirit, righteousness of Christ, dead to sin, new creature....etc); now walk in the light of these truths as opposed to:

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)

Also those born again are sealed with the Spirit unto the day of redemption while not all of Jesus' disciples continued with him.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66)

I see this truth also. And now..."For me to live IS Christ." I am complete in Him. Fulfilling Christian duty is simply a spontaneous result of devotion to Christ. Obeying Him is a result of first loving Him. Paul preached the preeminence of Christ and his teaching is always subject to this one truth and finds power and significance in Christ.

His passion was to simply know Christ which resulted in a changed life. That's what he preached. It is not in our "doing" but our "being." What are you a pupil of? A disciple of? Methods or the Master? Programs or the Person of Christ? Good systems or the Good Shepherd? Standards or the Saviour? Follow Christ. Learn of Him. Yield to Him. Know and love Him.

[Brother Tim]

and ! Brother Forrest. Well said!

[chette777]

that being true Paul never used the term Born again either. it is only used by Christ quoted by John in his gospel and Peter.