The Disciples Were Called Christians First in Antioch

2018-04-15

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. (Acts 11:26)

This is the first of three occurrences of the word “Christian” in the Bible. From Acts 11:19-26, we see that Gentiles were just beginning to be evangelized. Peter had given his testimony concerning the household of Cornelius, who were all saved without circumcision or keeping the law. Barnabas sought Saul, bringing him to Antioch, to show him all that had transpired in this booming church. They then were teachers in the church.

The key that we take away from here is that the disciples were made up of a group of Jewish and Gentile people. Our heritage and background have in no way any bearing on our faith and salvation. The Bible tells us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:28-29).

Another thing we see is that these were disciples. These were redeemed by the blood of Christ, and were walking in faith. This name “Christian” appears to have been given to them by outsiders. Many have looked up to these people who were so devoted to the Lord, while others may have used this term derogatively. Either way, these people were set apart from the world to God, and this distinction was obvious to the world by their way of life.