The early Christians were at first known by other names and descriptions. They were apparently known as “Those of The Way” because it was these whom Paul sought to capture and bring to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 9:2). Later they were derisively called “Nazarenes” by their fellow-Jews, probably because of the feeling that nothing good could come from that town (Acts 24:5). We learn from Paul’s letters that the Lord’s early followers called each other “believers,” “disciples,” or “saints” and it was not till some eleven years after the first baptisms on the day of Pentecost in AD 33 that they were called Christians.
The significance and importance of the name “Christian” should be recognized by everyone who carries it. We’re told that “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch,” (Acts 11:26), and the original wording of the text gives us a very interesting insight into the reasons for the name. Firstly, “Christian” has been transposed from the Greek kristianos, and was formed in much the same way as words for the followers of Herod or Caesar—and thus it indicates a “follower of Jesus.” It is only used three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26 which we’re studying; Acts 26:28 where Agrippa uses it almost as a term of contempt; and 1 Peter 4:16 where it is used of those persecuted by the Roman government.
When the text in Acts 11:26 says the disciples “were … called Christians,” an unusual term is used. The same term is found in the passages where God warns the wise men not to return and tell Herod about Jesus (Matthew 2:12); where Joseph was warned not to go back to Judea, but to settle in Galilee (Matthew 2:22); where the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die till he had seen Christ (Luke 2:26); and where Cornelius was divinely directed to send for Peter and hear his message (Acts 10:22). These, with similar passages in the book of Hebrews, all indicate messages of divine origin, and there is only one instance where the translation differs. Though many commentators think that it was the Gentiles who called the disciples “Christians,” the weight of evidence causes me to think that the name originated with God and was a divine revelation.
Church-goers of different persuasions seem to feel that anyone who has any kind of belief in Jesus is entitled to wear the name Christian. As we’ve noticed, Luke indicates that it was “disciples” who were called “Christians” and a disciple is a student and follower (Acts 11:26). Paul says that “the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,” and that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Since people who follow false doctrines have fallen away from the faith, how can we say they are continuing to follow Christ, and how can they be called “Christians”?
Let’s avoid the indiscriminate application of the term “Christian” and realize that wearing the name is an honor which carries with it the responsibility for conduct in keeping with its meaning. We want people to say of members of this congregation: “These are people who are, truly, Christians.”