Topical Bible: Faith: The Disciples

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Faith, as demonstrated by the disciples of Jesus Christ, is a central theme in the New Testament, illustrating both the growth and challenges of belief in the early followers of Christ. The disciples, chosen by Jesus, were ordinary men called to an extraordinary mission, and their journey of faith is marked by moments of profound insight and human frailty.

Calling and Initial Faith

The initial calling of the disciples is a testament to their faith. When Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, He said, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Their immediate response, leaving their nets and following Him, reflects a foundational faith in Jesus' authority and promise. Similarly, the calling of Matthew, a tax collector, demonstrates faith in action as he left his profession to follow Christ (Matthew 9:9).

Faith in Miracles

The disciples witnessed numerous miracles, which served to strengthen their faith. In the account of Jesus calming the storm, the disciples marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27). This event highlighted their growing understanding of Jesus' divine power. However, it also revealed their struggle with doubt, as Jesus questioned, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26).

Lessons in Faith

Throughout their time with Jesus, the disciples received direct teachings on faith. In the incident of Peter walking on water, Peter's initial faith allowed him to step out of the boat, but his fear caused him to sink. Jesus' response, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31), served as a lesson on maintaining faith amidst fear and uncertainty.

Faith and Understanding

The disciples' faith was often intertwined with their understanding of Jesus' mission. In Matthew 16:16, Peter's declaration, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," was a moment of profound faith and revelation. Yet, shortly after, Peter's rebuke of Jesus' prediction of His suffering and death (Matthew 16:22) showed a lack of understanding of the full scope of Jesus' mission, prompting Jesus to correct him.

Faith Tested

The crucifixion of Jesus was the ultimate test of the disciples' faith. Despite Jesus' forewarnings, the disciples struggled with fear and doubt. Peter's denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75) and the scattering of the disciples (Matthew 26:31) illustrate the challenges they faced. However, the resurrection of Jesus and His subsequent appearances to them restored and solidified their faith, transforming them into bold witnesses of the Gospel.

Empowered Faith

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the disciples' faith was empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). This event marked a significant turning point, as the disciples, now apostles, preached with boldness and performed miracles in Jesus' name. Their faith, once wavering, became a steadfast foundation for the early Church, as seen in Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) and the healing of the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10).

Conclusion

The faith of the disciples, characterized by growth, challenges, and ultimate empowerment, serves as a model for believers. Their journey from initial belief to unwavering conviction underscores the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Through their experiences, the disciples exemplify the dynamic nature of faith, which, though tested, can lead to profound spiritual maturity and bold witness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 16:30
Now are we sure that you know all things, and need not that any man should ask you: by this we believe that you came forth from God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Tells the Disciples the Cause of their Failure. --The Power ...
... But then, again, Mark, ix., 23, contains a statement of the power of faith, addressed,
not to the disciples, but to the father of the demoniac, in so natural a ...
/.../section 188 christ tells the.htm

Second Sunday in Lent. And the Disciples Said, Send Her Away, for ...
... And the disciples said, Send her away, for she crieth after us; . . . But He
said, Great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/second sunday in lent and.htm

Of the Belief the Disciples Afterwards Attained in the Words of ...
... For faith in its full sense is the act of him who accepts with his whole soul ... of
the whole body of the Lord, we have now to note that the disciples were put in ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/27 of the belief the.htm

Interpretation of the Details in the Narrative. Application ...
... that, because of the prayer of Jesus to the Father for the disciples, they suffered ...
time by the waves which wish us to make shipwreck concerning faith or some ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 interpretation of the details.htm

Praying Without Doubting
... of the littleness of their faith, there is no valid reason to doubt that He can
and will increase their measure of achieving faith. When the disciples said, ". ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 5 praying without doubting.htm

Faith Rewarded.
... Nothing that the Savior found when He was on this sin-cursed earth pleased Him so
much as to see the faith of His disciples; nothing refreshed His heart so much ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iv faith rewarded.htm

Farewell Discourse to Disciples.
... [He contrasts the faith which his disciples then professed with that utter
lack of it which they would manifest in a few hours. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxi farewell discourse to disciples.htm

The Christian Faith
... His disciples after His death followed in the footsteps of their Master and carried
out His commands. The result was that faith was translated into action; the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study v the christian faith.htm

The First Disciples by the Jordan.
... THE BEGINNINGS OF FAITH THE FIRST DISCIPLES BY THE JORDAN. Again on the
morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the first disciples by the.htm

Of the Withering of the Fig-Tree, and of the Question as to the ...
... for ever," and the withering that ensued so speedily in the tree, and the reply
which He made on the subject of the power of faith to His disciples when they ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxviii of the withering of.htm