Disciples or Apostles

[Sola]

Hello all,

I have a question about Luke 24 (around verse 36 and on). The chapter at some points talks about “the Eleven” (the Apostles) and other times says “the disciples”.

When Jesus opens their minds (v 44), is He opening the minds of the Apostles, or the disciples, which could include the Eleven but also includes other believers?

Thank you!

 

[Apologia100]

Sola:

Hello all,

I have a question about Luke 24 (around verse 36 and on). The chapter at some points talks about “the Eleven” (the Apostles) and other times says “the disciples”.

When Jesus opens their minds (v 44), is He opening the minds of the Apostles, or the disciples, which could include the Eleven but also includes other believers?

Thank you!

A disciple literally means “one who learns” and “one who assists in spreading the teachings of another”. In this regard, the Apostles are also disciples. However, there were many more people who were disciples who were NOT apostles. The Apostles (messengers in Greek) were the primary message bringers to the world, the other disciples were there to assist. The distinction being that the Apostles were given the authority to carry the Gospel into the world and the grace needed to preserve it from corruption. A disciple, while having the calling to carry the message, doesn’t necessarily have the authority to maintain its integrity. This is the basis for the Magisterium, which is a authoritative office given by Jesus to the Apostles to ensure that His message (Gospel - or Good News) would remain intact through all ages until His final triumphant return.

 

[Sola]

Thanks, Apologia. So, in the verse in Luke 24, is Jesus teaching all of the disciples?

 

[Keith_Strohm]

Sola:

Thanks, Apologia. So, in the verse in Luke 24, is Jesus teaching all of the disciples?

Also, because of our baptism, we have become participants in the apostolic mission of the Church. We are, in our own way, apostles to our families, to others we work with, and to the world in general–in that we are sent out to witness to the power and love of Jesus Christ as we seek to “consecrate the world to God” and “restore to creation all of its original dignity.” (Christifidelis Laici)

This is in distinction to the office of Apostle given to the 12 and their successors, the bishops. We are both disciples and apostles in our daily lives.

Keith

 

[Pug]

Take a look at verse 33 and it seems that the 11 were in Jerusalem with some others for the appearance of Jesus that you are asking about. Also, from the opening of the minds to verse 49 is continuous, and 49 has a promise about pentecost. Who got the promise at pentecost, just the 11?

But, you really might want to compare the language in Acts1:1-5, by the same author as Luke. It heavily focuses on the apostles. Who do you think the promise is for in verse 5 about baptism with the HS?

Just some thoughts. My first post was better, but cyberspace swallowed it.