Follow
The Meaning of Following in Scripture
In biblical terms, 'following' is an active, intentional choice that goes beyond mere physical movement. The Hebrew word radaph often translated as 'follow' or 'pursue,' carries connotations of chasing, striving after, or pressing toward a goal (Psalm 23:6; Isaiah 5:11). Another Hebrew term, halakh 'achar ('to go after'), suggests a lifestyle of walking in someone's footsteps (Deuteronomy 4:3; 1 Kings 14:8). In the New Testament, the Greek akoloutheō means to accompany as a disciple, while diōkō implies earnest pursuit or persecution (Luke 17:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Following God in the Old Testament
The Old Testament presents following God as a covenant relationship requiring complete devotion. When God told Abraham, 'Go from your country' (Genesis 12:1), Abraham's response established the pattern of faithful following. The wilderness generation's failure to follow God fully resulted in consequences (Numbers 14:24; 32:11-12). The Psalms frequently express the desire to follow God closely, as in Psalm 63:8: 'My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.' Prophets like Amos emphasized that true following meant obedience to God's word rather than empty ritual (Amos 7:15).
Following Jesus in the Gospels
Jesus' call to 'Follow me' (Matthew 4:19) revolutionized the concept of discipleship. His invitation demanded immediate, radical reorientation of life priorities. When fishermen left their nets (Matthew 4:20) and Matthew left his tax booth (Matthew 9:9), they demonstrated the cost of discipleship. Jesus clarified that following Him meant taking up one's cross daily (Luke 9:23), prioritizing Him above family (Matthew 10:37-38), and serving others (John 13:15). The rich young ruler's story illustrates how possessions could hinder following Jesus completely (Matthew 19:21-22).
The Cost and Commitment of Following
Biblical following requires wholehearted commitment. Jesus warned potential followers to count the cost (Luke 14:28-33), explaining that discipleship might mean having 'nowhere to lay his head' (Matthew 8:20). Paul described his own life as 'forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead' (Philippians 3:13-14), pursuing Christ with singular focus. The writer to Hebrews encouraged believers to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (Hebrews 12:1), fixing eyes on Jesus as the ultimate example.
Following as Imitation and Obedience
The New Testament expands following to include imitation (mimeomai) of faithful examples. Believers are called to imitate the faith of spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:7), follow Paul as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), and imitate God as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1). John emphasized that following truth means walking in obedience to God's commands (2 John 1:6). This imitation isn't blind copying but transformative alignment with Christ's character and mission.
Following in the Early Church
The book of Acts shows how following Jesus translated into community life and mission. The early Christians 'devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship' (Acts 2:42), following the way Jesus had taught. When persecution scattered believers, they carried the gospel with them (Acts 8:1-4), demonstrating that following Christ continued even in displacement. Paul's missionary journeys exemplified following the Holy Spirit's guidance into new territories (Acts 16:6-10).
Biblical Context
The concept of 'follow' appears throughout Scripture, beginning with God's call to individuals like Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4) and continuing through Israel's wilderness journey where following God's presence was essential (Exodus 13:21-22). The Psalms frequently express the desire to follow God's guidance (Psalm 23:2-3; 25:4-5). In the Gospels, Jesus' call to 'Follow me' becomes the central invitation to discipleship, appearing over twenty times. The epistles develop the theme further, urging believers to follow Christ's example (1 Peter 2:21), follow sound teaching (2 Timothy 1:13), and follow the way of love (Ephesians 5:2). Revelation concludes with the faithful following the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).
Theological Significance
Following represents the essence of biblical faith—a dynamic relationship with God characterized by trust, obedience, and transformation. It teaches that salvation involves not just belief but active discipleship. The concept reveals God's desire for intimate relationship with His people, Jesus' lordship over every area of life, and the Holy Spirit's ongoing guidance. Following demonstrates that faith is participatory, requiring daily choices to align with God's will. It also highlights the communal aspect of Christianity, as believers follow Christ together, encouraging one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Historical Background
In ancient Near Eastern culture, following a teacher meant complete immersion in their life and teachings. Disciples would literally walk behind their rabbi, learning through observation and imitation. The Greek philosophical schools similarly emphasized following a master's way of life. Roman military imagery influenced New Testament descriptions of following as disciplined service. Archaeological evidence shows that first-century fishermen like Peter and Andrew operated within family fishing cooperatives, making their decision to leave their nets particularly costly socially and economically. The shepherd-sheep metaphor used throughout Scripture reflects an agrarian society where following required trust in the shepherd's guidance through dangerous terrain.