What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?
What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship? Discipleship means following Jesus wholeheartedly, learning His teachings, obeying His commands, and helping others do the same.
Key verse: Luke 9:23 (KJV)
Discipleship means following Jesus wholeheartedly, learning His teachings, obeying His commands, and helping others do the same.
Discipleship means following Jesus wholeheartedly, learning His teachings, obeying His commands, and helping others do the same.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." — Luke 9:23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
A disciple is a learner and follower. Jesus called His twelve disciples to 'follow me' and spent three years teaching them through word and example. But discipleship extends beyond the twelve—Jesus said anyone who would come after Him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). True discipleship involves counting the cost (Luke 14:28), abiding in Christ's word (John 8:31), bearing fruit (John 15:8), and loving one another (John 13:35). The Great Commission makes clear that discipleship is reproductive: disciples are to make more disciples, teaching them everything Jesus commanded.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Obedience to God?
What the Bible teaches about obeying God, following His commands, and the blessings of obedience.
Key Scripture References
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.
What Is Spiritual Maturity According to the Bible?
Spiritual maturity is growing in Christlikeness through knowledge of God's Word, obedience, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Discipleship
10 curated KJV verses
John 13:34-35 Commentary
In-depth study • Love & Discipleship
Luke 9:23 Commentary
In-depth study • Discipleship
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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