Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

Disciple

A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Mt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who

1. believes his doctrine,
2. rests on his sacrifice,
3. imbibes his spirit, and
4. imitates his example (Mt. 10:24; Lk. 14:26, 27, 33; Jn. 6:69).