Had Jesus left no disciples, there would probably be no Christianity today, for his faithful followers aided in the introduction and the recording of his teachings and practices. The designation "disciple," according to a Bible concordance, is most often used "with reference to the believers in Christ, both those who believed during his life, and those who later joined the early Church."
Christian discipleship is not limited to the era in which Jesus lived. Jesus did not so restrict it. On the contrary, by clear implication he reveals that all who follow his teachings are his disciples. Luke records him as saying (14:27), "Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." Literally one might assert that this means that a disciple must follow a personal teacher. But spiritual interpretation supported by other allusions to discipleship in the Gospels indicates that he meant that all who follow the Christ, Truth, in any age, qualify as his disciples.
In John's Gospel, three requirements for discipleship are mentioned. "If ye continue in my word," said Jesus, "then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31, 32). The word "continue" has a significant meaning. Unless restricted by a specific, modifying limit, it is infinite in application. His disciples are those who throughout all time abide in his word, who believe in and are faithful to his teaching.
