Seventy Disciples
Seventy Disciples
The Seventy Disciples (Greek: ἑβδομήκοντα μαθητές, hebdomikonta mathetes), also known as the Seventy Apostles in the Eastern Christian traditions, are a group of early followers of Jesus Christ. These disciples are distinct from the Twelve Apostles and play a crucial role in the spread of early Christianity. The commissioning of the seventy is described in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 10:1-24.
Biblical Account
The Gospel of Luke recounts that Jesus appointed seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) disciples and sent them in pairs to go ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Their mission was to heal the sick and proclaim that the Kingdom of God was near. This event is often referred to as the Mission of the Seventy and is seen as a precursor to the Great Commission given to the Twelve Apostles.
Historical and Traditional Lists
The names of the Seventy Disciples are not explicitly listed in the Bible, but various traditions, notably from the writings attributed to Hippolytus of Rome, provide lists of these early Christian figures. Hippolytus, a prominent theologian from the early 3rd century, is one of the sources that provide a detailed list of these disciples.
Notable Seventy Disciples
Some of the individuals traditionally identified as part of the Seventy Disciples include:
- Ananias of Damascus: Known for baptizing Paul the Apostle, Ananias is considered a significant figure in the early Church.
- Barnabas: A key companion of Paul, Barnabas played a vital role in the missionary activities of the early Church.
- Tertius of Iconium: Credited with transcribing Paul's Epistle to the Romans, Tertius is also listed among the Seventy Disciples.
- Sosthenes: Mentioned in the New Testament, Sosthenes is believed to have been a leader in the early Christian community.
Relationship to the Twelve Apostles
While the Twelve Apostles held a primary and foundational role in the establishment of the Church, the Seventy Disciples complemented their efforts by extending the reach of Jesus' teachings. The Twelve Apostles are frequently mentioned in the New Testament and are considered the main disciples of Jesus, but the Seventy had their unique and essential mission fields.
Influence in Christian Traditions
The Seventy Disciples hold a special place in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where they are often referred to as apostles. Their contributions are commemorated in various liturgical traditions and texts. For instance, the Gospel of the Seventy, although a lost text from the New Testament apocrypha, points to the significant role these disciples played in disseminating Jesus’ teachings.
Associated Figures
- Agabus: Recognized as a prophet, Agabus is traditionally remembered as one of the Seventy Disciples.
- Jude the Apostle: Also known as Thaddeus, he is sometimes conflated with one of the Seventy Disciples, particularly in Eastern Christian traditions.
Theological Significance
The commissioning of the Seventy Disciples is often interpreted as a symbolic act, representing the universality of Jesus' mission and the inclusive nature of His message. This event underscores the idea that the proclamation of the Gospel was not limited to a select few but was a mandate for a broader community of followers.