It may be surprising to some that the singular form of the word Christian appears only twice in the NT, and the plural form just once! Even so, there is much to learn from these three occasions. Let’s focus our attention specifically on these occurrences and what we can learn from them.
(1) ACTS 11:26. The first time the word is used is in Acts 11:26 which states, “and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Previous to this, Christians were usually referred to as “disciples” (as we even see in this verse), referring to being followers of Christ. This, in fact, is what the word Christian means. The use of the word “Christian” is used in a similar way as the term “Herodian.” A Herodian was one who was “of Herod” or joined to his party. Christians are those who pledge their allegiance to Christ. They seek to follow and walk with Him.
Looking forward only a few verses in Acts, we observe that these disciples, or Christians, “belonged to the church” (12:1). Verse 5 also says, “earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” We learn from this that church is composed of those who are Christians! One cannot be a Christian and not be a member of the church. Likewise, he cannot be a part of the body of Christ and not be a Christian! (See also Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23.)
- ACTS 26:28. The second time we find the word Christian it is actually used by Agrippa as Paul is giving his defense before him. Agrippa says in Acts 26:28, “‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?’”
Paul defended himself saying that he had done nothing but reason very carefully from Moses and the Prophets concerning the Christ (see vv. 21-23). Evidently Agrippa understood that Paul’s purpose was to prove this to him as well, that he might become a believer and follower of Christ.
Involved in the process of becoming a Christian, Paul says he sought to convince both Jew and Gentile to repent, that is, “turn to God” (v. 20). Agrippa understood Paul was teaching him that he ought to turn from sin and give his allegiance over to Christ. It should noted that Paul’s major task was to create belief that would naturally lead to a life turned from sin to the Lord. He is obviously not giving the entire Gospel plan of salvation here. Such would be pointless unless Agrippa believes in Christ. Previous to this we see example after example in how Paul (as well as Peter and others), commanded those who believed in Christ to be baptized (see Acts 2:36-38; 8:13; 8:35-40; 10:44-48). This is the point at which one becomes a Christian, or puts on Christ (see Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27).
- 1 PETER 4:16. The third and final time that a form of the word Christian appears is in 1 Peter 4:16. There Peter says, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
The use of the word here is not unique, but we would be amiss not to note that there is no shame involved in wearing the name of Christ and living the Christian life. Rather, the Christian can feel honor and privilege if he in a sense suffers with His Lord! (See also Mt. 5:10; 1 Pt. 2:20; Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:7.)
So rather than shrinking back in shame in front of the world for who they are, Christians are proud of the great name they wear. Otherwise Christ will not confess them before the Father (see Mt. 10:32). The apostle John stated emphatically, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 Jn. 3:1). It is the only name under heaven by which we may be saved! (Acts 4:12).
Obviously much more could be said regarding what it means to be a Christian, but there is much value, encouragement and challenge in noticing these three times the word occurs. May our Lord help us to understand who we are and wear the name of Christ as nobly as we can so that we give Him proper honor as well as help others to confess His sweet name!
Daren Schroeder
