Examples of discipleship in the Bible

         Here is a look at examples of discipleship in the Bible, highlighting how individuals were trained, mentored, and followed God through relationship, teaching, and obedience. These examples reflect biblical models of discipleship—where one person helps another grow in faith and service to God.

1. Jesus and the Twelve Disciples

● Matthew 4:19 – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

● Luke 6:12-16 – Jesus chooses the twelve after praying all night.

● John 13:13-15 – Jesus teaches them servant leadership by washing their feet.

Discipleship Model:

● Jesus called them individually.

● He lived with them, taught them, and sent them out (Luke 9:1-6).

● He corrected, empowered, and commissioned them (Matthew 28:19-20).

          The discipleship between Jesus and His twelve followers is the ultimate model. It shows how discipleship involves time, teaching, testing, and entrusting.

2. Moses and Joshua

● Exodus 24:13 – “Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide…”

● Deuteronomy 34:9 – “Now Joshua… was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him…”

Discipleship Model:

● Joshua served as Moses’ aide or assistant.

● He observed Moses’ leadership and was mentored over time.

● Eventually, Moses laid hands on him, passing leadership to him.

         Joshua learned faith, leadership, and obedience through his long relationship with Moses. This is an Old Testament example of spiritual mentorship.

3. Paul and Timothy

● Acts 16:1-3 – Paul chooses Timothy to accompany him.

● 1 Timothy 1:2 – “To Timothy, my true son in the faith…”

● 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Discipleship Model:

● Paul identified potential in Timothy.

● He invited him to serve and taught him deeply in spiritual truths.

● Paul also gave Timothy leadership responsibilities (e.g., leading the church in Ephesus).

● Their letters (1 & 2 Timothy) reveal personal, fatherly discipleship.

         Paul’s relationship with Timothy reflects intentional mentoring, doctrinal teaching, and leadership development.

4. Elijah and Elisha

● 1 Kings 19:19-21 – Elijah calls Elisha.

● 2 Kings 2:2-15 – Elisha refuses to leave Elijah; he receives a double portion of his spirit.

Discipleship Model:

● Elijah called Elisha, who left everything to follow.

● Elisha served Elijah and learned from his prophetic ministry.

● At Elijah’s departure, Elisha took up his mantle and continued his ministry.

         This story shows discipleship as personal sacrifice, close fellowship, and the transfer of anointing and purpose.

5. Naomi and Ruth

● Ruth 1:16-17 – “Where you go I will go… your God will be my God.”

● Ruth 3-4 – Naomi guides Ruth into covenant and provision through Boaz.

Discipleship Model:

● Though not a traditional teaching setting, Naomi mentored Ruth in faith, culture, and godliness.

● Ruth adopted Naomi’s God and values.

● Naomi led Ruth into her destiny as part of Messiah’s lineage.

         This relationship demonstrates a form of relational discipleship rooted in loyalty and faith-sharing.

6. Barnabas and Paul

● Acts 9:26-27 – Barnabas introduces Paul to the apostles.

● Acts 11:25-26 – Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch for teaching ministry.

● Acts 13:1-3 – They are sent out as missionaries together.

Discipleship Model:

● Barnabas believed in Paul when others feared him.

● He helped Paul grow in ministry and connected him with the broader church.

● Though Paul later surpassed Barnabas in prominence, Barnabas was instrumental in launching Paul’s ministry.

         Barnabas was a mentor and encourager—true to his name, "Son of Encouragement"—and shows how discipleship includes affirming and platforming others.

7. Jesus and Mary Magdalene

● Luke 8:1-3 – Mary Magdalene is among the women supporting Jesus’ ministry.

● John 20:16-18 – Jesus commissions Mary to tell the disciples of His resurrection.

Discipleship Model:

● Mary followed Jesus, supported Him, and witnessed His resurrection.

● Jesus gave her the first apostolic message after the resurrection.

         Her life shows that discipleship isn’t limited to the twelve. Women, too, were discipled and entrusted with ministry.

8. Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos

● Acts 18:24-26 – “They took him [Apollos] aside and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”

Discipleship Model:

● Priscilla and Aquila, a husband-wife team, mentored Apollos.

● They did so privately and lovingly, correcting his theology.

● Apollos became a powerful preacher in the early Church.

         This is an example of peer-to-peer discipleship, focusing on doctrinal clarity and spiritual empowerment.

9. Samuel and Eli

● 1 Samuel 3:1-10 – Eli teaches Samuel to recognize God's voice.

Discipleship Model:

● Samuel was placed under Eli’s care in the temple.

● Eli taught Samuel how to respond to God.

         Samuel grew into a mighty prophet, showing how early instruction can produce long-term fruit.

10. The Early Church (Acts)

● Acts 2:42-47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship…”

● Acts 4:32-35 – The believers shared everything and grew in unity.

Discipleship Model:

● The early believers practiced communal discipleship.

● They learned from apostles, shared resources, prayed together, and grew rapidly.

         This is a powerful example of corporate discipleship, where the whole church body is involved in mutual growth and spiritual maturity.

         Discipleship in the Bible is not a one-size-fits-all method. It includes:

● Calling and training (Jesus and the Twelve)

● Mentorship and legacy (Moses/Joshua, Paul/Timothy)

● Friendship and faith-sharing (Naomi/Ruth, Priscilla/Apollos)

● Empowerment and commissioning (Elijah/Elisha, Jesus/Mary Magdalene)

         These examples challenge us to be disciples and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship requires time, relationship, teaching, correction, and empowerment—and ultimately leads others into deeper intimacy with God and effective ministry for His kingdom.