Do people honestly belive that 'Christ' was Jesus's last name?

Question

Properly, Jesus would likely have been named, 'Yshua bar-Ysef', or, Joshua, Son of Joseph.

Christ, Christos, 'annointed one' (or Messiah) are titles, not names. For example, David and Solomon were both Mosiach, because they were Kings of Israel and as such had been anointed with the holy oils as part of that role. Those who claim Jesus is the big fulfiller of the promise believe he was HaMosiach, meaning basically "THE Messiah".

Saying Jesus Christ is his full name would be like saying his full name was Jesus King because he was a king.

So why is it exactly that so many people, Christian and non-Christian alike, seem to make this mistake?

Timeless: I was just reading an answer on another question about 10 minutes ago where someon outright called 'Christ' Jesus's last name.

Answer 1

Because people are under educated. You, on the other hand, have done your homework. :)

Answer 2

Sadly some people do.

It comes from ignorance. Many people have not read the Bible and since in our culture the last name usually follows the first when referring to people and the title usually precedes they assume that his last name is Christ.

I have heard him sometimes referred to as Christ Jesus which makes more sense in western culture.

Answer 3

You are right. Christ is the Greek word for Messiah.

I think people get confused because the church refers to him as "Jesus Christ" rather than "Jesus The Christ."

That's why my dad always says "Jesus The Christ" when he prays or reads in church.

Answer 4

because people are NOT taught the truth.
christ was the definition of the anointed one and Jesus is a greek name.
What i understand today is that it doesnt matter what you Call the Son of God, he will answer you by what you sincerely believe it to be. but if he ever tells you to use his correct name, then and only then! will i stop calling him Jesus. its not a matter of sin or transgression that will send someone ETERNALLY to Hell.

Answer 5

Its not a last name, its a title. It can be Jesus Christ, or Christ Jesus.

Answer 6

Hi there!

Actually if I remember correctly, last names were not used back in those times. More often than not, a person's "last name" was the town they were from. Jesus' name in full was Jesus of Nazareth. :)

Answer 7

churches all over the world also depict jesus as a white long blonde haired bloke who was crucified with nails through his palms!!!!
He was more than likely an dark skinned fella with black hair and the nails would have had to have gone through his wrists or the weight would have just ripped them through the skin.
People ask me why I'm an athiest!?!?!

Answer 8

I don't believe there is a meaning of misintent when we use both names. Although I believe calling Him by His given name is more better suited, others I know use both. I know they mean to lift Him up as well and if it glorifies Him more, so be it...I know He knows every hair on our heads as well as the intentions of our hearts. Prayers =)

Answer 9

They make the mistake because they don't dig deep enough... they just don't care to. As long as they feel that "Christ" is their "savior", they probably don't care to peek behind the curtain and see where it all really comes from.

Answer 10

This is the 1st time I've ever heard that people think that Christ is his last name. I thought I'd heard it all.

Answer 11

if they do they are ill informed. they didnt have last names back then. they depicted eachother by "the son of" and other titles like that.

Christ actually means something, as you stated.