Final answer:
In the New Testament, the disciples are depicted as loyal co-journeyers of Jesus, integral to his ministry and the spread of his teachings. They are recognized and represented in both religious texts as well as historical artworks highlighting their pivotal roles in the development of Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disciples of Jesus are portrayed quite positively in the New Testament as co-journeyers with him in his ministry. They are described as dedicated followers who left their old lives behind to follow Jesus and assist in spreading his teachings. Levi, later known as Matthew, is a clear example when he left his tax collector's booth to become a disciple after Jesus said to him, "Come, be my disciple."
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John document Jesus' life and the actions of his disciples, highlighting their crucial role in the emergence of Christianity. These texts depict the disciples as not only followers but as proclaimers of Jesus' message across great distances, facing persecution and hardship, yet remaining steadfast in their belief and mission.
Iconic artistic works like Caravaggio's 'The Calling of Saint Matthew' and da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' represent these disciples within an art historical context, encapsulating their close association with Jesus and their roles in the narrative of Christian theology. Christianity itself was profoundly shaped by the dedication and teachings of the disciples, who referred to Jesus as 'the Christ' meaning 'the anointed one', embodying their belief in him as the savior of humanity.