Why were the disciples first called Christians in Antioch according to Acts 11:26? The Setting in Antioch • Antioch of Syria was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, a crossroads of cultures, languages, and religions. • Persecution had scattered believers from Jerusalem (Acts 11:19), and many of them settled here, boldly “proclaiming the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20). • “The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). • Jerusalem’s church sent Barnabas to investigate; he, in turn, brought Saul (Paul) from Tarsus to help teach the new converts (Acts 11:22-25). Acts 11:26—The Key Verse “and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a full year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” Why the New Name Emerged Here • Christ-Centered Teaching – A solid year of systematic instruction by Barnabas and Saul kept the focus squarely on the Person and work of Jesus. – Their message was not merely moral reform but allegiance to “Christ,” the Messiah (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:2). • Distinct Identity Formed – In the synagogue, believers had been viewed as a Jewish sect; in Antioch’s diverse environment, their allegiance to Jesus set them apart from both Jews and pagans. – The mixed ethnic makeup of the church (Acts 13:1) testified that something wholly new had formed—one body in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16). • Observable Christ-likeness – Generosity (Acts 11:29-30), unity, and love reflected Jesus’ own character (John 13:34-35). – Outsiders naturally linked the disciples’ behavior to the One they constantly talked about. • A Label Coined by Outsiders – “Christian” (Greek: Christianos) means “belonging to Christ” or “followers of Christ.” – Roman practice often attached ‑ianos to a leader’s name (e.g., Herodians) to tag that leader’s party. – Unbelievers needed a convenient label for this growing, unmistakably Christ-focused movement. • Divine Providence – God sovereignly used a secular nickname to stamp His people with the name of His Son, fulfilling Jesus’ promise of worldwide witness (Acts 1:8; cf. Philippians 2:9-11). What the Name Signified • Public Ownership of Jesus—They were known first and foremost by His name (Colossians 3:17). • Separation from Old Identities—Neither Jew nor Gentile defined them; Christ did (Galatians 3:28). • A Call to Suffer Well—Peter later wrote, “if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed” (1 Peter 4:16), showing the name quickly became tied to persecution and perseverance. • Fulfillment of Prophecy—Isaiah had foretold that Gentiles would “seek Him” and be called by “a new name” the Lord would give (Isaiah 62:2). Living Out the Label Today • Embrace the Name—Gladly identify with Jesus in word and deed (Luke 9:26). • Pursue Christ-Centered Teaching—Stay grounded in Scripture, just as Antioch’s believers sat under Barnabas and Saul. • Display Christ-like Love—Let unmistakable acts of grace and unity make the name “Christian” ring true (John 17:20-23). • Stand Firm Under Pressure—Remember that bearing the name may invite ridicule, yet it carries eternal honor (Acts 5:41). |
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