Customs & Culture

Rabbi, Teacher and Disciple

Synagogue, Teaching and Prayer • Institution
A Visit With Jesus
Teachers gathered students or disciples who learned not only information but ways of interpreting Scripture and living faithfully.

Primary Scripture

Mark 3:13-15
Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles
Ordaining of the Twelve Apostles - James Tissot — Life of Christ

Historical and Cultural Background

Jewish teaching relationships in the first century existed in several forms and should not be forced into the later institutional structures of rabbinic academies. Following a teacher could involve travel, memorization, debate, imitation, and service.

Biblical Examples

Jesus calls disciples to follow Him, teaches them privately and publicly, sends them to act in His name, and is repeatedly addressed as teacher or rabbi.

Biblical Significance

Discipleship in the Gospels is therefore more demanding than attending lectures. It involves allegiance to Jesus, participation in His mission, and imitation of His way of life.

Related Images

The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew
The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew - Caravaggio — Biblical Works
Paul Addresses the Crowd After His Arrest
Paul Addresses the Crowd After His Arrest - Gustave Doré — New Testament

Common Misconceptions

The later standardized rabbinic ordination system should not be projected wholesale into the ministry of Jesus.

Historical Setting and Evidence

Culture: Judean/Jewish, Greek/Hellenistic, Roman

Period: Hasmonean Period, Roman / Second Temple Period, Apostolic / Early Church Period

Evidence: Well Attested

Interpretive Importance: Essential

Teacher-disciple relationships are strongly attested, while details of first-century rabbinic institutions remain debated.

Scripture References

Matthew 4:18-22 Matthew 10:24-25 Mark 3:13-15 John 1:35-51 Acts 22:3

Related Information

People Jesus Christ
Bible Concepts The Language of Jesus
Dictionary Terms Disciple Rabbi
Related Customs "Binding and Loosing" "Yoke" as a Symbol of Submission and Discipleship Ancient Education and Childhood Honor, Shame and Places of Status Pharisees, Scribes and Teachers of the Law Public Honorific Titles and Greetings Reclining at Meals Sitting to Teach Synagogue Assembly, Seating and Leadership Synagogue Scripture Reading and Teaching

Sources

Matthew 4; Mark 3; John 1; Acts 22