Who Was The First Disciple

**Who Was The First Disciple** 🕊️

The question of who was the first disciple to follow Jesus Christ has intrigued scholars, theologians, and believers alike for centuries. While the Gospels provide an insight into the lives and callings of the twelve disciples, pinpointing the very first can be challenging due to the variations in the narratives. However, by examining the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we can piece together a coherent picture.

### **The Earliest Accounts of Discipleship**


  


The New Testament starts the narrative of Jesus calling his disciples not at the very beginning of His ministry but a little into it. Here’s a look at who is traditionally thought of as the first disciple:

- **Andrew**: According to John 1:35-40, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two disciples who first heard John the Baptist testify that Jesus was the Lamb of God. They then followed Jesus. Although not explicitly named, tradition holds that the other disciple was John, but Andrew is the one who ran to tell Simon (Peter) about Jesus. Thus, in a sense, Andrew was instrumental in bringing the first few disciples to Jesus.

### **Andrew, the First Called?**


  


**Andrew** 👣 is often considered the first disciple for several reasons:

- **Initial Encounter**: He was one of the first to meet Jesus after John the Baptist's endorsement.
- **Early Proclamation**: Andrew was eager to spread the news about Jesus to others, including his brother Peter, which could be seen as an act of discipleship even before formal invitation.

#### Andrew’s Role and Significance
- **Introducing Others**: Andrew’s actions highlight the importance of sharing faith with others, making him not only a disciple but also an evangelist from the very beginning.
- **His Character**: Andrew's character as the 'first called' reflects humility, promptness in response to divine guidance, and zeal in bringing others to Jesus.

💡 Note: It’s worth mentioning that calling someone the “first disciple” might oversimplify the complex historical and theological development of Jesus' followers.

### **Peter's Presence**


  


While **Simon Peter** might not have been the first in terms of meeting Jesus, his role as a leader among the disciples is undeniable:

- **The Rock**: Jesus famously said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). This highlights his significant role within the early Christian community.
- **Quick to Follow**: After being introduced to Jesus by Andrew, Peter immediately followed, indicating an early commitment to Jesus.

### **Other Candidates**


  


Other Gospels present different scenarios which add to the complexity of identifying the first disciple:

- **James and John**: In Luke 5:1-11, after a miraculous catch of fish, Peter, James, and John are called by Jesus. While they were not individually called first, they might have joined the discipleship group together.
  
### **The Gospel Differences**


  


The **Synoptic Gospels** (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the **Gospel of John** present slight differences in the order and manner of calling the disciples:

- **Synoptic Gospels**: Typically describe Jesus walking along the Sea of Galilee where He calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
- **Gospel of John**: Offers a more personal and theological approach, focusing on the divine identity of Jesus and the personal responses to His call.

### **The Discipleship Theme**


  


The theme of discipleship in the New Testament goes beyond identifying the first person called:

- **Commitment**: Discipleship was about leaving everything behind to follow Jesus, a theme emphasized in different ways in all Gospel accounts.
- **Community**: Jesus called His followers to live in community with each other, learn from Him, and spread His message.

### **Conclusion**

While pinpointing the very first disciple with certainty might be impossible due to the nuances in Gospel narratives, **Andrew** often emerges as a primary candidate due to his early encounter with Jesus and his role in bringing others to the faith. However, the true essence of discipleship lies not in being the first but in the commitment to follow Jesus and spread His teachings, a call that resonates across time and space.

### **Frequently Asked Questions**


  

    

      

        
Who was the first disciple according to the Gospel of John?
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The Gospel of John suggests that Andrew, along with another unnamed disciple (traditionally thought to be John), was among the first to follow Jesus after John the Baptist's declaration.
      
    
    

      

        
Why might there be different accounts of who was first called?
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The Gospels were written by different authors for different audiences and at different times. This can lead to variations in how events are reported or what details are emphasized.
      
    
    

      

        
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
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Being a disciple of Jesus means committing to follow His teachings, emulating His life, and sharing His message with others. It's about a relationship with Christ and a life transformed by His example.