Today, when someone asks if you are a Christian it feels like a loaded question doesn't it? Just look at all the religious faiths claiming to be Christian. Major religions as well as cults all claim to be #Christian. Then we have people that are not affiliated with any organization that claim to be Christian. It is all so confusing and you cannot really learn anything about anyone claiming to be a Christian.
The Loaded Question & The Loaded Answer
The question, "Are You A Christian?" begs a loaded answer. Think of it, we have people claiming to be Christian who worship idols, commit fornication, steal, lie, cheat and encourage others to do so. Then we have "Christians" who claim that Jesus will not be returning, or that He never performed miracles, and offer many contradictory teachings other than what is written in the Scriptures. It has gotten to the point where a true believer in the Messiah Yeshua who follows the #commands of God is afraid to answer that question.
Where Does The Term Christian Come From?
The term “Christian” was likely coined by non-believers—specifically Greek-speaking Gentiles in the city of Antioch—to describe the followers of Jesus Christ.
Why Non-Believers?
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The book of Acts says,
“The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
— Acts 11:26
The Greek verb used for “were called” (χρηματίσαι, chrēmatísai) often implies a name given by others, not a self-designation. -
Early believers usually called themselves “disciples,” “believers,” “brothers,” “saints,” or “followers of the Way.”
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“Christian” may have been a nickname or label created by Romans or Greeks who observed this new movement centered on Christos (the Anointed One, or Messiah). It was probably used at first sarcastically or mockingly, like calling someone a “Christ-person.”
Cultural and Political Context
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Antioch was a multicultural, Roman-governed city. It was common there to label groups based on their leaders—for example, “Herodians” (followers of Herod).
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“Christian” simply meant those belonging to Christ, and it stuck.
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who invented the term “Christian”? | Likely Greek-speaking Gentiles in Antioch |
| Was it positive or negative? | Probably derogatory or dismissive at first |
| Did believers use it for themselves? | Eventually, yes, but not at the beginning |
Other Biblical Mentions
The word is only used three times in the Bible:
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Acts 11:26 – The first use, in Antioch.
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Acts 26:28 – Agrippa says to Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
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1 Peter 4:16 – Peter says, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed...”
Irony of The Term Christian
So the term "Christian" was not made by Yeshua at all, in fact it was a decade after His resurrection that likely the "non-believers" came up with the term. Furthermore, the only time it is used by a "believer" in the Scriptures is by Peter and He does not refer to the believers as a "Christian" but he uses unique words, "if any man suffer as a Christian". Notice that Peter does not call them Christians but says "if" you suffer AS a Christian. Yet, the "disciples" did not argue with the accusers calling them "Christians" even though it was considered a derogatory term.
How Did The Early Disciples See Themselves?
Now here is the most important question, how did the early disciples see themselves? Did they see themselves as "Christians"? Well, the short answer is NO! They saw themselves as Jews who are apart of Israel and disciples of Yeshua the Messiah. Yet, if people wanted to make fun of them calling them "Christians" they would accept the persecution and name calling for His name's sake.
We Are Jews
The followers of Yeshua are Jews, they are Israel a name given by God Almighty. The seed of Abraham according to the Divine purpose of our God. This is who we are, this is our being, our purpose, our life! You cannot change our name just because you think you have something better. Calling us Christians almost seems like a derogatory term to Christ, doesn't it? Especially with what you see today, these people calling themselves Christians are the furthest thing from Christ one can imagine! Isn't it arrogant for one to call themself a "Christian" in the first place? There is only one Christ, one Messiah, one Savior, we belong to Christ but we are NOT Christ. To think that we are even close to being "like" Him seems so arrogant!
Identify
Say to yourself, "I'm just a Jew, a follower of Yeshua", to claim you are "Christ-Like" is arrogant. There is none of us that can fill those shoes. Yes, that is the goal to imitate our Master but to give yourself a granious name that God never gave you is preposterous! We are Israel, spoken of all through the Scriptures! We have been unfaithful and forgiven, chosen and shown mercy, God Almighty gave us our name! Embrace it!