Articles
Disciples First Called Christians - Acts 11
Disciples First Called Christians - Acts 11
We read that "in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians" (Acts 11:26). In our day the name Christian is more used than the other designations for the followers of Jesus. In the first century they were more often called disciples. They were known among themselves as 'brethren', saints, and believers. They were spoken of as belong to 'the way'. Only 3 times in our bibles is the designation Christian used.
Here it says 'the disciples were called Christians'. In Acts 26:28, Agrippa responded to Paul: "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" To this Paul says: "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains" (vs. 29). Paul did not take this name as an insult, but built upon it and accepted it as a description of what he was.
When Peter wrote his first letter, he also accepted this designation to describe the disciples' relationship with Jesus. He spoke of being 'insulted for the name of Christ' (1Pet. 4:14). He then exhorted that "if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name" (vs. 16).
First, whether the designation 'Christian' was given by insult from enemies or adapted by the disciples themselves, this in reality does describe the relationship of disciples to Jesus. We are of course HIS disciples and as such we are taught to 'observe all things whatsoever HE commands' (Matt. 28:18-19). Whatever we do, we do 'in his name' (Col. 3:16-17). To call myself a Christian is to say 'I am of Christ'.
The derivation of the word itself is a compound word in Greek made by adding 'ianoi' to the word Christ. "Christ" is the transliteration of the Greek word 'crist' which in turn was the translation for the Hebrew word we call Messiah. The Hebrew and Greek words refer to 'the anointed' one. In the Old Testament they poured oil on (anointed) those who became king, priest, or prophet. The one who would hold all three of these positions at the same time was the great anointed one, the Christ. The New Testament argues that the Christ is Jesus. Hence, those that became his followers, his disciples, began to be referred to as 'Christians' [Christianoi]. The 'ianoi' ending signified that they completely identified themselves with Christ. Similarly, in the first century, those that were part of Caesar's household (or soldiers or public officials), referred to themselves as 'Kaisarianoi' (would be transliterated as Caesarians). So, the disciples were called Christians. This designation of Christianoi was sometimes spelled "Chrestianoi.” [cp. Tacitus Annals 15.44; Suetonius Life of Claudius 25.4, and Nero 16.2; Pliny Epistles 10.97].
As a side note, the word 'called' in Acts 11:26 seems to indicate that this did not come from the enemies, or at least not in totality. 'Called' in Acts 11:26 is from the Greek word 'chrematizo'.. This word is defined as having two basic meanings: 1) to impart a divine message, make known a divine injunction/warning (cp. Matt. 2:12, 22; Luke 2:26; Acts 10:22; Heb. 8:5; 11:17; 12:25;); and 2) to take/bear a name/title, to go under the name of,…be called/named, be identified as (Acts 11:26; Rom. 7:3). (from Bauer's Greek-English Lexicon). [I printed out these scriptures below for quick reference].
Hence, they could have understood that they were DIVINELY called Christians. However, because the designation 'Christian' is almost completely unused by the early writers among the brethren, it has been taken that they thought this name was given in derision by the enemies of the church. We don't know.
Whether 'Christian' was given in derision by our enemies or by revelation from God, so we are. Let us NOT be ashamed of it, but follow him faithfully and with honor and respect for Him.
Hugh DeLong
