Being Called Christians

 There are several church words which we use all the time, but I am not sure we really think about what they mean. One of those words is "disciple." I don't think most believers make the connection with the word "discipline," as they should. A disciple disciplines himself or herself to do and say what Jesus would do and say. Another word that is similar is the word "Christian." We all need to know where it came from and what it means.

The book of Acts tells us about the origin of the word "Christian." (Acts 11:25-26) When the Gentiles in Antioch started being saved, Barnabas came and saw the Lord's work. Then, he left to find Saul and brought him back to help teach the church. For an entire year they met with the church and taught a lot of people. As a result, the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

So, the term Christian began in Antioch, but many people don't know that it wasn't the believers who started using the word. It was the pagan Gentiles. It was meant to be a derogatory name for the followers of Jesus. It means "little Christs." They used it to make fun of the believers, saying they we just like little models of Jesus. It caught on because that is just what we are supposed to be. 

Notice how this happened. The believers came to be like Jesus after receiving Spirit led teaching from Saul and Barnabas for an entire year. They were hungry to learn, and they started practicing everything they were taught. The Holy Spirit empowered them, and they were so conformed to the image of Jesus that the pagan people noticed it. I believe that is what all of us should do, if we are wanting to be called Christians.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 12-14.