CHRISTIAN . . .
“The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Acts 11:26
Have you ever wondered where the name Christian originated? We know that since Christ had not yet been born, we will not find that word in the Old Testament. In fact, it only appears three times in the New Testament.
Think what it must have been like for the small bands of Jesus’ followers after he ascended into heaven. There were no churches for these people. They didn’t even have a name to call themselves. All they knew was that they believed that Jesus Christ was born a baby, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for their sins, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven.
Since they were followers of the one who said he was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, they were first known as the Way. In Acts 9:2 we read about Saul, “If he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”
Soon that term was replaced with the word Christian. Christ’s followers in the city of Antioch began to be called Christians. Acts 11:26 says, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Soon afterward, we hear King Agrippa use the same term. “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28).
Only once more do we find the word in the Bible, and that term speaks to all of us. First Peter 4:16 says, “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” In other words, we can wear the name Christian proudly and share our joy in Christ with everyone!
From: Precious Words of the Bible by Reynold R. Kremer