Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of decision-making is pivotal in the lives of the disciples of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. The disciples were ordinary men called to make extraordinary decisions that would not only transform their own lives but also impact the course of history. Their decisions, often made in moments of profound spiritual significance, provide a model for Christian decision-making today.
Calling of the DisciplesThe initial decision faced by the disciples was the call to follow Jesus. This decision required immediate action and a willingness to leave behind their previous lives. In
Matthew 4:18-20 , we read about the calling of Peter and Andrew: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' And at once they left their nets and followed Him." This decision to follow Jesus was marked by a radical departure from their livelihoods and an embrace of a new mission.
Commitment to DiscipleshipThe decision to follow Jesus was not a one-time event but required ongoing commitment. In
Luke 9:23 , Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship: "Then Jesus said to all of them, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" The disciples had to decide daily to prioritize their relationship with Jesus over personal desires and societal expectations.
Moments of Doubt and FaithThe disciples also faced decisions in moments of doubt and fear. In
Matthew 14:28-31 , Peter's decision to walk on water towards Jesus is a profound act of faith, yet it is quickly followed by doubt: "Lord, if it is You, Peter replied, command me to come to You on the water. 'Come,' said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'" This incident highlights the disciples' struggle between faith and doubt, a common human experience.
Decisions in MinistryThe disciples also made decisions regarding their ministry and the spread of the Gospel. In
Acts 6:2-4 , the apostles decide to appoint deacons to address the needs of the early church: "So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, 'It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.'" This decision reflects the importance of delegation and focus on spiritual priorities in ministry.
The Great CommissionOne of the most significant decisions the disciples faced was their response to the Great Commission. In
Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands them: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The disciples' decision to obey this command led to the spread of Christianity throughout the world.
Personal TransformationThe decisions made by the disciples also led to personal transformation. For instance, Peter, who denied Jesus three times, later became a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, as seen in
Acts 2:14 : "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd." This transformation underscores the power of divine grace and the impact of faithful decision-making.
The decisions of the disciples, as recorded in the New Testament, serve as a testament to the transformative power of following Christ. Their choices, marked by faith, commitment, and obedience, continue to inspire believers to make decisions that align with God's will and purpose.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 18:28Then Peter said, See, we have left all, and followed you.
Nave's Topical IndexJohn 6:68,69
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life.
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Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
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Acts 9:29
And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
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Acts 26:6
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, to our fathers:
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Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
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Philippians 1:20,21
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
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Colossians 2:5
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
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2 Timothy 4:7,8
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
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Library
HisDecision on the Question of Divorce. --Celibacy. (Matt. , xix,
... In fact, Christ'sdecision in this particular case illustrates the entire relation
of... was at that time beyond the reach of thedisciples; its indissolubility...
The FirstDisciples: iii. Philip
... very special way, not merely as Hillel or Gamaliel asked theirdisciples to accept...
That moment, when Philip'sdecision was trembling in the balance, was but a...
The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great...
... THE GREAT COMMISSION - THE GREAT INSTRUCTION - THE GREAT TEMPTATION - THE GREAT
DECISION.... near to Bethsaida, would the road of Christ and Hisdisciples lead to...
The Death of Lazarus; Christ's Conversation with theDisciples in...
... Hisdecision to go to Bethany astonished and alarmed thedisciples to such an extent
that they lost sight of their higher expectations from him as Messiah, and...
Human Characters Determined Only by DivineDecision.
... Human Characters determined only by Divinedecision.... He had persecuted the church;
killed Christ'sdisciples, and thought he was doing right; verily believed...
Simon'sDisciples Adopt the Mysteries; Simon Meets St. Peter at...
... And accordingly, having ordered a trench to be dug by hisdisciples, [648] he directed
himself to be interred there.... [Bunsen's magisterialdecision (p. 53) is...
By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the FirstDisciples, and...
... not have been addressed to them, if they had not already beendisciples of Jesus...
the more do we perceive the magnitude of the call and of thedecision which it...
New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake...
... had admitted these premisses, so far as they understood them, were His professing
disciples.... Only, the presentation of that Kingdom must now be fordecision....
The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... to signify, that it was not merely an advice, or a simple declaration of their judgment,
but an authoritativedecision, to which thedisciples were bound to...
The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its...
... to explore, he seems to have been a favourite among his fellow-disciples; many of...
expected that their rulers would concur with him in thisdecision, and that...
Resources
What is decisional regeneration / decision theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgDecision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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