Disciple

(dis-si'pl.) [L. disci pulus, from disco, I learn.] In its literal signification, a person who derives knowledge from another; hence, the followers of any teacher or head of a philosophical sect were called D. In the Scriptural acceptation of the term, it denotes those who were Christ's immediate followers and attendants, of whom there were 70 or 72 specially selected by him; but the word is also applied to all Christians, as they profe to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts. The terms D. and apostle are often synonymously used in the gospel history; but sometimes the apostles are distinguished from disciples as persons chosen out of their number, to be the principal ministers of religion. [s. 290]