Overview
The Bible addresses discipleship across 15 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Matthew, John and Luke. Closely related themes include Minister (1), Apostles, the, Self-Denial and Apostles. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter and Jonah.
Key Bible verses about discipleship
New Testament
Matthew
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Luke
John
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
People in the Bible and discipleship
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying discipleship for yourself
- Begin with Matthew 10:32, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew, John and Luke each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus, Peter and Jonah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Minister (1), Apostles, the, Self-Denial and Apostles.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about discipleship?
The Bible addresses discipleship across 15 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Matthew, John and Luke. Closely related themes include Minister (1), Apostles, the, Self-Denial and Apostles. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter and Jonah.
How many Bible verses are about discipleship?
The Bible references discipleship in 15 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention discipleship?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Matthew 10:32: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with discipleship?
Jesus, Peter and Jonah.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on discipleship.
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