Christian (Χριστιανός)

Christian (Χριστιανός) is a term that describes those who are Christ like in their conduct. The disciples of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch after adhering to Paul’s teachings (Acts 11:26).

Within the city of Antioch, the disciples were first named Christians. The term “named” is often used in the context of issuing a warning. Therefore, “Christian” was originally a term employed by those cautioning others about followers of the resurrected, glorified, Christ. When Paul addressed King Agrippa concerning The Way—the earliest designation for the Church belonging to God (Acts 24:14)—Agrippa used the term Christian in response to Paul's explanation of his bonds (Acts 26:28).

The apostle Peter also uses the term Christian in his first letter, encouraging the saints who were scattered that if they suffer as a Christian—those who embody Christ-like conduct—they should not be ashamed but should express a proper opinion of God in their behavior (1 Peter 4:16). Thus, the name “Christian” became widely recognized as identifying those who believe in Christ’s resurrection and live in a manner consistent with Paul’s teachings.

There are many who claim the name, “Christian” today; however, it is a designation that properly belongs to members of the body of the Christ. It describes those who are taught and live out the gospel of the Christ, which Paul—the steward of the dispensation—laid out for the saints. Although Paul himself never directly uses the term Christian in his writings, it was a name that he was acquainted with and knew belonged to those of The Way (Acts 26:28). His lack of direct use indicates the title “Christian” was given to those of The Way by the unbelieving Jews in Antioch, and was used as a warning label rather than a title claimed by followers of Paul’s teaching.

Today the term Christian has become synonymous with individuals who follow or adhere to the teachings concerning the resurrected Christ, acknowledging Him as the Son of God, the Savior, and the central figure of their faith. It is a meaningful designation to remind members of the Church that their lives should be Christ like by putting on the new man and living out their salvation.

“The Way” is the title that early believers in the Body of the Christ used to distinguish themselves from Judaism. Since Jesus is the only way to salvation, it is likely this title originated from Jesus’ declaration that He is the way (John 14:6).

Paul uses this title, The Way, concerning the faith he lived by when facing charges from the Jews before the governor of Caesarea, who had an accurate knowledge of The Way (Acts 24:10-14; 24:22). Paul taught The Way in the city of Ephesus, beginning in the synagogues, which was his custom; however, the Jews rejected the truth, and started speaking bad of The Way. Therefore, Paul and his followers separated from the synagogues (Acts 19:9).

Some teachers suggest that “The Way” refers to a group distinct from the Body of Christ. However, in Scripture, the term is exclusively used to describe those who adhere to the gospel as taught by Paul, thus confirming its inseparability from the Church (Acts 19:23-26).