[Greek] ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō): to accompany, to be an acolyte, to go along with, to go the same way with, to follow someone, to come behind, to go behind, to follow the one who proceeds, to walk the same road with; (88 scriptures: 77: Gospels, 3: Acts, 1: 1Cor., 7: Revelations)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, meaning to follow or go behind, can be found in a secular sense, intellectual sense, moral sense, and religious sense. One call follow as a student, soldier, or as a slave. Following a deity may essentially mean to act like the deity. One also can be guided by principles (rhetoric) or following the thread of a discourse. Epictetus’ Discources 1.6.15 states, “Through reason our souls are as closely connected and mixed up with the deity as they are part of him.” Andocides’ Against Alcibiades 4.19 states, “Obedience to the magistrates and the laws is to my mind the one safeguard of society.” Aristophanes’ Plutus 19 states, “Aye, master, unless you tell me why we are following this unknown fellow, I will not be silent.”
Old Testament: This term refers to following Yahweh, following like a disciple, and following the gods (like an acolyte). Walking in His ways and following God become primary themes in Deuteronomy. However, the focus is walking in His ways (rather than following God). Perhaps, this attitude is in part in reaction to the unfortunate practice of following the gods. In addition, Israel walks with Yahweh as a bride. Going after other gods is the basic sin of the people, receiving God’s condemnation. The disciple follows his master (teacher). This practice mirrors the warrior following the leader, the wife following her husband. This pupil (disciple)/teacher (master) relationship continues in the New Testament with Jesus and His disciples.
They followed the gods of the various nations around them, and by their worship of these gods provoked the Lord (Jdg. 2:12). For the land gives itself to harlotry (Hos. 1:2). If the Lord is God, follow Him (1Kgs. 18:21). The Lord preceded them, in the daytime by means of a cloud to show them the way (Exo. 13:21). Your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt (Deut. 13:5). I remember the devotion of your youth, how you loved Me as a bride (Jer. 2:2). Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you (1Kgs.19:20)
New Testament: This term, primarily occurring in the Gospels, means to go/come behind, to accompany as a follower, and to be a disciple. Again, rather than following God, this pertains to discipleship with Jesus. The disciple leaves everything to go after Jesus. This relationship not only attains a master/disciple relationship, but also participates in the salvation offered by Jesus. This relationship involves a fellowship of life and suffering with the Messiah. Other scriptural references mainly refer to other examples of following.
Scripture:
“And all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.” 1Cor.10:4
Paul refer to the rock as Jesus who provides living water.
“For a crowd followed and shouted, “Away with him!” Acts 21:26
Paul was arrested by the Jews.
“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of Me.” Mt.10:38
Jesus calls upon His disciple to follow Him even during the difficult times. Jesus tells His disciples that they will experience persecution.
Conclusion:
Acolyte
Perhaps it is not surprising that this term is extensively used in the Hellenistic era. Philosophers, leading various political schools of thought, would naturally have students and acolytes. Plato and Socrates immediately come to mind. In some situations, following a god meant to be like a god. Pythagoras was seen as a god, leading a group which worshiped numbers. The Roman emperors saw themselves as gods. I can only imagine the famous playwrights each having their own following.
This term takes on a significant shift in meaning in the Old Testament culture. Partly due to their unfortunate experiences following gods, this culture seeks to walk in Yahweh’s ways instead. Yahweh’s relationship with Israel takes on more of a marriage relationship. God is the groom while Israel is the bride. The master/disciple relationship becomes an important cultural and social institution. This will later define Jesus’ relationship with His disciples in the New Testament.
It is also interesting to note that the Greek verb manthano means to learn. Therefore, the noun mathetes means pupil, student, learner, and disciple. Therefore, Jesus (the teacher) instructs His disciples (students).
In recent times, you may often see acolytes assisting with religious functions(services) in the church. These acolytes, usually dressed in white, help with the logistics (carrying books and vessels, etc.) during these celebrations.
Now we have followers (like-minded individuals), trolls, bots, and memes (which people spread and follow) in the Twitter-verse.