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11 Acts - Disciples first called Christians
11 Acts - Disciples first called Christians
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'. (cp. 1 Cor. 1:12)
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
'Chremetizo' is used in the following NT verses:
Matthew 2:12 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Matthew 2:22 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.
Luke 2:26 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Acts 10:22 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.”
Hebrews 8:5 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”
Hebrews 11:7 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Hebrews 12:25 25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
Romans 7:3 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.
