Who were the first people that used the title Christian to define the Children of God when talking about those people?
2006-08-18 04:54:53 · 26 answers · asked by happylife22842 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Surprisingly, the word "Christian" appears only three times in the New Testament. The New Testament's use of this term indicates that it was a term of derision, a term placed upon Christ's followers by their critics.
We find the term, for example, in Acts 17:28 on the lips of King Agrippa, an unbeliever: "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'" (NIV). It is also found in 1 Peter 4:16: "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name" (NIV). This text indicates that early believers in Christ suffered persecution as "Christians." In fact, in 1 Peter being a "Christian" seems almost synonymous with suffering (1:6,7; 2:12,19-23; 3:9-17; 4:1,12-19; 5:9).
This thought leads us directly to the third text that uses the term "Christian." It appears in Acts 11:27, where we read that "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" (NIV).
This key text tells us two things about the Christians. First, "Christian" was not so much a name that they chose as a name that was applied to them (they "were called Christians"). This is consistent with our observation that it was a term placed upon them by hostile critics. Second, it was a term that was placed on "the disciples." This helps us to establish the meaning of the term: A Christian is a disciple, a follower of Christ, one who clings to the gospel. Furthermore, a Christian is one who is prepared to suffer for the sake of Christ, if necessary. This suffering, as we have seen, is described in detail by Peter. It entails a life patterned after the life and death of Jesus, a life of service to God and others. This is the Scriptural picture of what a Christian is.
2006-08-18 05:06:30 · answer #1 · answered by ỀằЃťĦßőūŇŊΜĬşғΪŧ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the people in Antioch, who called the followers of Christ Christians for the first time. May God bless and keep you.
2006-08-19 02:44:07 · answer #2 · answered by blowry007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acts 11:26 First in Antioch that the disciples were in divine providence called Christians.
2006-08-18 05:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The children of God are the Jews
Christian is the term for a follower of Christ!
2006-08-18 06:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by Grandreal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Act 11:26 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.
2006-08-18 04:59:13 · answer #5 · answered by TheShield 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christian came about to mean a follower of Christ. Saint means the same thing. It is just the same old labelling game.
Isaiah 29:24: "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."
2006-08-18 05:05:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was probably coined by the Romans for the followers of Christ. Considering there was no Christians before Christ as then they were Hebrew. And still are an off-shot from the Hebrew faith.
2006-08-18 05:01:05 · answer #7 · answered by Stephen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the people of Antioch first called the ppl of God Christians,because they acted christ like
2006-08-18 04:59:10 · answer #8 · answered by holyghost130 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
christian is made from the new testament when the apostles were one they were called christains because the word christain came from Greek meaning "together". Christians identify themselves as monotheistic, believing that there is one God. and they were called christians first in aticoh
2006-08-18 05:13:11 · answer #9 · answered by minty1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First used in Antioch
2006-08-18 04:59:18 · answer #10 · answered by maybe ok 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋