“Discipleship” does not exist in the New Testament. That is, the word does not occur, even if everywhere, we are shown what it means to be a disciple. This is the point. Discipleship is only evident in being a disciple and making disciples in the difference between a noun and a verb (mathēteuõ); a disciple is an active learner.
Being a disciple is not a nominal status but is instead, an expression of learning—being discipled and discipling others as active disciples of Jesus Christ. Like expressions of freedom, which are exhibited through decisions and commitments by contrast to the contemporary assumption that “keeping my options open” defines freedom, to disciple (infinitive), discipling or being discipled (participles) is dynamic—a verb, not a static noun.
The word “discipleship” may be used to imply a status, a benchmark or a level of attainment that does not actually exist, because “discipleship,” in the absence of being and making disciples, finally only exists as a word on paper. Disciples are disciples as they hear and respond to the imperative word of call that is to be lived intentionally, decisively, with disciplined passion.
Dr. Stephen Curkpatrick
Lecturer in biblical studies & systematic theology at Stirling Theological College
Thanks Stephen great read
Shalom Mark
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