Is there a difference? Yes, there is a notable difference found in the definitions given in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.

1.  Disciple: “A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.”
2. Apprentice: “One who is bound by covenant to serve a mechanic, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn his art, mystery, or occupation, in which his master is bound to instruct him. Apprentices are regularly bound by indentures.”

The notable differences are: disciple: “an adherent to,” and within the apprentice: “bound by covenant to serve, and bound by indentures” (contract.)

1. Jesus becomes first in all things, Mark 8:34–35, “Summoning the crowd along with His disciples, He said to them, “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it.”

2. Follow Jesus’ instructions, John 8:31–32, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”  And we must be “doers of the Word” as seen in James 1:22. 

3. Believers will produce fruit, “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.” John 15:4–8. 

4. His Disciples will love one another, other disciples 1 John 3:23-24. “Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commands remains in Him, and He in him. And the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He has given us.”

5. Mentoring other disciples, “Then Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20.

There is no contract made between Jesus Christ and His disciples. All are bound to Christ by grace through faith in Him alone, and for all eternity. Apprentices are bound by a time-limited contract or an agreed upon covenant. 

Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

The chasm between disciple and apprentice is found in what man can do and what God has done is deep and wide, and only faith in Jesus Christ provides a crossing.

Jesus is Lord.