INTRODUCTION
The question on whether the followers of Jesus Christ the Nazarene should be called Christians or not has become topical and controversial, with the rise of the sentiments that it was given by unbelievers and should be rejected.
When I first heard it years ago from a dear minister of blessed memory, I was convinced that the label was irrelevant for a season.
But when I later checked it out in the Bible I found out that this sentiment has no foundation in scriptures.
The term "Christian" is a significant and biblical designation for believers in Jesus Christ.
It is not merely a label but a profound identity rooted in scripture, history, and the mission of the Church.
This teaching will explain why believers are rightfully called Christians, according to the Bible.
This teaching does not seek to establish the term "Christian" as the only biblical identity of believers, but to defend it's proper use as one of the names by which God's faithfuls are to be called.
The English term "Christian" is derived from a Greek word which means "follower of Christ."
It is claimed by many that this term was not self-designated by the early followers of Jesus but was used as a derogatory label by outsiders and unbelievers to identify them.
We are going to fact-check this claim from the Bible and establish how the name Christian was given by the Holy Spirit through an inspired prophetic utterance.
PROPHETIC ORIGINS OF THE TERM
The Origin of the Term "Christian"
The term "Christian" first appears in the New Testament. This name was given to believers in Antioch, a major city in the Roman Empire, and it marked a distinct identity for followers of Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:25-26, "Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
The name "Christian" (Greek "Christianos") means "follower of Christ" or "belonging to Christ."
Unlike what many scholars say, the term Christian here is not said to have been used by outsiders and unbelievers to describe the new group of people who were devoted to Jesus as the Messiah.
The original word for "called" in verse 26 is the Greek "chrematizo," which means "to utter an oracle, that is, divinely intimate" according to Strong's Definition.
If we substitute the meaning for the word, the last part of Acts 11:26 would read; "The disciples were first "divinely named by the utterance of an oracle (prophecy) as" Christians in Antioch."
That the name "Christian" was spoken by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of a prophet at Antioch is also implied by the fact that this event took place at a time when some prophets had arrived from Jerusalem.
Acts 11:27 (WEB), "Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch."
Whatever is spoken through the mouth of the prophets is credited to the Holy Spirit in the Bible.
In the next two chapters of Acts after believers are prophetically called Christians at Antioch, we see Paul and Barnabas being called and set apart for the apostolic ministry by the Holy Spirit through prophets and teachers at Antioch.
Acts 13:1-4 (WEB), "Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus."
The Prophecy of The Name "Christian"
The prophetic calling or naming of the believers as Christians was prophesied in the Old Testament prophets by Isaiah saying that New Testament believers would be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord was going to give.
Isaiah 62:2 (ESV), "And the nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give."
Isaiah prophesied that God's people would receive a new name directly from His mouth.
As opposed to popular opinion, unbelievers were not the source of the term "Christian" at Antioch, but it was the Holy Spirit through the prophets.
Biblical Use of the Name "Christian"
The Bible affirms the use of the term "Christian" as a proper designation for believers.
King Agrippa understood being converted to become a believer as becoming a Christian.
Acts 26:28, "King Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?"
This shows that the term was recognized and understood even by non-believers, though they were not its source.
Peter the apostle encourages believers to embrace the name "Christian" as an honor, even in the face of persecution.
1 Peter 4:16, "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
This passage demonstrates that the term "Christian" was not only used by outsiders, but was also embraced by members of the early Church as a badge of honor and a testimony to their faith in Jesus Christ.
It highlights the honor associated with being identified as a follower of Christ, as opposed to the claim that it was a derogatory label.
The early church faced significant persecution at the time of Peter, and being labeled as Christians meant suffering.
But, this name became a badge of honor, as it identified them with Christ, who suffered for humanity.
The historical context of the term reflects the commitment and devotion of believers to their faith.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NAME "CHRISTIAN"
The term "Christian" carries deep spiritual significance.
Christ-Centered Identity
Believers are called Christians because their identity is rooted in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Christians are not merely followers but are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, signifying a new identity.
The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that believers are "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3-14).
The name "Christian" carries this identity, signifying that believers are part of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (WEB), "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually."
The name emphasizes that believers are followers of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, Messiah and Savior.
Ownership by Christ
The term Christian signifies that believers belong to Christ, having been redeemed by His bloody sacrifice and called to live for His glory.
Romans 1:6 (WEB), "Among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 1:18-19 (WEB), "Knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ."
Distinctiveness
The followers of Jesus were given this name in Antioch as a way to distinguish them from other religious groups. The term Christian signifies their identity as followers of Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:17 (WEB), "Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you."
The name sets believers apart from other faiths, identifying them as a unique community founded on the teachings, baptism, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
Union with Christ
Believers are united with Christ through faith.
Romans 6:5 (WEB), "For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection."
The name "Christian" reflects this spiritual union and the transformative relationship with Jesus.
The Mission of the Church
The Church is called to bear the name of Christ and proclaim His gospel to the world. The Great Commission commands believers to make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20 (WEB), "Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."
This call to discipleship is central to the Christian faith, and those who accept this call are rightfully identified as Christians.
The name "Christian" aligns with this mission, identifying believers as ambassadors of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (WEB), "We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Historical Continuity
For nearly 2,000 years, the term "Christian" has been used as a good tradition passed on to us by the apostles of the Lamb as a description of the followers of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:2 (WEB), "Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you."
2 Thessalonians 2:15 (WEB), "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter."
This traditional identity connects modern believers with the rich heritage of the early Church and the global Christian community.
Unity in Diversity
The name "Christian" goes beyond denominational, cultural, and linguistic differences, uniting all believers under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (WEB), "Being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all, and in us all."
Evangelistic Clarity
The term "Christian" clearly communicates faith in Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation in the world, distinguishing believers from other religious ideologies.
John 14:6 (WEB), "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."
ADDRESSING COMMON QUESTIONS
Is "Christian" the only name for believers?
No, the Bible uses other terms like "disciples" (Acts 11:26), "saints" (Ephesians 1:1), and "believers" (Acts 5:14).
But "Christian" is the most widely recognized and inclusive name for followers of Jesus.
Can believers use other names?
Believers may use other biblical terms to describe their faith, yet "Christian" remains the primary and most universally accepted designation.
What if the term "Christian" is misused or misunderstood?
The misuse of the name by some does not diminish its biblical significance.
Believers are called to live in a way that honors the name of Christ.
Colossians 3:17 (WEB), "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him."
CONCLUSION
Embracing the Name "Christian"
Believers are to be called Christians because the name is biblically rooted, spiritually rich, and historically significant.
It reflects our identity in Christ, our mission to proclaim Him, and our unity as His followers.
As Peter exhorts, we should not be ashamed of the name "Christian" but glorify God in it (1 Peter 4:16).
Let us embrace this name with humility, faithfulness, and a commitment to live as true followers of Jesus Christ.
By understanding the biblical and theological foundations of the name "Christian," believers can confidently and joyfully identify themselves as followers of Jesus, bringing glory to His name in all they do.
Believers are to be called Christians because:
- The term is biblically grounded, as seen in Acts 11:26 and 1 Peter 4:16.
- It signifies a distinct identity rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- It reflects the call to discipleship and the commitment to live according to Christ's teachings.
- The historical context of the term highlights the honor and significance of being identified with Christ, even amidst persecution.
So, the name "Christian" carries the essence of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's identity and mission in the world.
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