As I have read the bible several times back and forth looking for this word and I have only read it, I believe three times myself. The other thing is that when I read it, it was first said at Antioch no time before then. Why? Please help me to understand because we are called Ambassadors right?
2007-07-02 15:12:27 · 12 answers · asked by Vic 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I just haven't seen any of the prophets and teachers in the bible use this word, not even Jesus. I wasn't trying to start anything its just that I studied for myself ans didn't see it.
2007-07-02 15:38:29 · update #1
Early Christians were seen as a break-away Jewish sect.
Orthodox Jews used the term in a derogatory way.
After the destruction of the Jewish Temple (75AD),
Christians were driven out of Jerusalem synagogues.
2007-07-02 15:17:35 · answer #1 · answered by Robert S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity (as a religion) was formed well after the death of Jesus. The word Christian now means someone belongs to the religion Christianity. Jesus never said for their to be a religion. He told people to practice what he taught and pass it on. When the word Christian is used in the bible, it is a poor translation for Christ-like. Jesus has disciples, who had disciples, that passed on his truth. Unfortunately, those furthest away from him, claimed him for themselves and thus, Christianity was formed.
No worries, there are still many out there that live Christ-like lives (they are considered saints). Believe it or not, there are many people in other religions (Hindus, Muslims, Judaism) who accept Jesus as their savior and strive for that Christ-like state. Just practice what he taught any you will be an Ambassador. Just don't do it because others say you have to or you will go to hell.
2007-07-02 22:22:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The term Christian means follower of Christ. It was not used immediately as the church grew because at first the church contained only Jewish members. As the Word spread to the gentiles those who were not Jewish began to accept Jesus as the Christ. That's when the term began to be used as a distinction. We are Ambassadors but also Christians. We are also the adopted heirs of Abraham and the children of the most High God. I don't really worry so much about what we are called but how I'm walking.
2007-07-02 22:18:50 · answer #3 · answered by kaehya2003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The word when was initially used in Antioch was to mock those who followed the ways of Jesus. The term became catchie, and after the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, it became the name of the followers of Christ. The Bible refer to the church age followers of Christ as believers or believers of the way.
2007-07-02 22:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by itsjustme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vic, I'm not sure I understand the question, but let me provide some insite here. Hope it helps you with your question.
Absolutely not - the word Christian is not a derogatory word. It refers to the beginning of a religion founded by Jewish followers of Christ. The word Christian connotates the belief and followship of those who believed in Jesus Christ as the one sent by God to save man, you and I. The fellowship of Christ's followers deferred slightly in the Jewish beliefs and customs. Plus, you'll find the word 'Christian' numerous times throughout the bible, especially in the books written by St. Paul. For starters, why not reread Samuel.
2007-07-02 22:19:45 · answer #5 · answered by Ms.Social Worker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word Christian does not appear in the bible that you are reading, perhaps, however, that does not necessarily mean that according to your bible, the word "Christian" has a negative connotation according to the bible. Without knowing which version of the bible you are referring to, it is difficult to understand your question correctly, perhaps.
The word "Christian" is used to describe people who ascribe to and follow Jesus Christ as Mormons follow Mormanism or Hindu's Hinduism. These words don't necessarily find themselves in the literature of their prospective faiths, per se, repeatedly because it is taken as a given to the spiritual followers.
2007-07-02 22:24:43 · answer #6 · answered by Linda J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not derrogatory per se but rather an outsiders term for insiders. Christians would not refer to one another as Christians. Rather they would refer to one another as brothers or saints. But they did note that outsiders would refer to them as Christians.
2007-07-02 23:11:28 · answer #7 · answered by Steve Amato 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's because Jesus was Jewish, and the entire OT was written as by Jews.
2007-07-02 22:14:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just as there was no mention of telephones television or automobiles they lacked knowledge and were not able to see into the future either .So much for prophecy?....
peace
2007-07-02 22:17:46 · answer #9 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We are called to be disciples, not christians.
2007-07-02 22:27:14 · answer #10 · answered by Cyndi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋