and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26)
There are two primary names that the followers of Jesus Christ are called in the book of Acts. One such name is found in Acts 9:2: Of the Way. It is here in Antioch that we find the second: Christians. Antioch is the first time that it was recorded that the followers of Jesus were called Christians. To be fair, both of these names can be used interchangeably. As followers of Jesus, it is to be expected that we follow in the way of Christ. Following in the way of Jesus will defy the expectations and the demands of the world. The word Christian is said to mean "little anointed ones" or "little Christs." Some commentators believe that the word was actually used in a mocking tone as a form of insult. I imagine that it was taken as a badge of honor to those Christians in Antioch. That should also be the case today. As I meditate on this verse, I could not help but ask, "What is it about those in Antioch that motivated those who were watching to insult them by calling them Christians?" I believe the answer is simple, they were living in the way of Christ. May we live in such a way that when others observe us that they would have no choice but to call us Christians. Rather it is done in admiration or disgust. And when we are called Christians because we live in the way of Christ, wear it as a badge of honor. After all, you are representing Christ in this world.
Christians: Living in the Way
Read Acts 11
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26)
There are two primary names that the followers of Jesus Christ are called in the book of Acts. One such name is found in Acts 9:2: Of the Way. It is here in Antioch that we find the second: Christians. Antioch is the first time that it was recorded that the followers of Jesus were called Christians. To be fair, both of these names can be used interchangeably. As followers of Jesus, it is to be expected that we follow in the way of Christ. Following in the way of Jesus will defy the expectations and the demands of the world. The word Christian is said to mean "little anointed ones" or "little Christs." Some commentators believe that the word was actually used in a mocking tone as a form of insult. I imagine that it was taken as a badge of honor to those Christians in Antioch. That should also be the case today. As I meditate on this verse, I could not help but ask, "What is it about those in Antioch that motivated those who were watching to insult them by calling them Christians?" I believe the answer is simple, they were living in the way of Christ. May we live in such a way that when others observe us that they would have no choice but to call us Christians. Rather it is done in admiration or disgust. And when we are called Christians because we live in the way of Christ, wear it as a badge of honor. After all, you are representing Christ in this world.