The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Meaning of "Disciple"

John,

The word referred to in Matt 28:19 in the Greek is matheteuo, which most often means, teach, disciple, instruct, to become a pupil. There is no reference to salvation inherent in the word. Thus, the text is clearly not saying that those sent by Jesus were to "make true Christians", but rather to "teach" those who professed faith.

Secondly, this passage should not and cannot be used to build a doctrine of baptism; either paedo or credo. It would be plain foolish to even try. The passage is simply stating what Jesus said to His own disciples... As you are going about in your travels, preach the Gospel, teach those who profess interest in Christ, baptize them in the name of the Triune God and instruct them to observe the teachings of Christ. The main focus is upon adults and doesn't even try to deal with the question of adults vs children and baptism. Secondly, that this practice was to be done everywhere and not restricted to Jerusalem nor even Israel. And thirdly, it contains the promise that Jesus Christ would be with them (via His Holy Spirit), i.e., the Spirit would attend their preaching and teaching in the establishment of churches (bodies of believers).

In His grace,