What name should Christians be called, and why?

What name should Christians be called, and why?

Early Christians
When were Christians first called “Christians?”

“Christians”

Christians are called Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and many other names. But, according to the Bible, what name should Christians really be called, and why? How long has the term “Christian” been in use, and who invented it? The answer to these questions can be found in the Bible.

“The disciples also were divinely called first in Antioch Christians.” (Acts 11:26 Young’s) God was behind the development of the use of the term “Christians” within a few years of the start of Christianity.

Years later, at Paul’s final hearing before Roman governor Festus, the governor asked: “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?” (Acts 26:28 NLT) So obviously, they were being called Christians at this time as well.

“If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16 NIV) Being a Christian meant then, and means today bearing “that name,” not just as a label, but the entire Christian way of life, including suffering, if necessary.

That’s why, apparently, that six times in the book of Acts, Christianity is referred to as “the Way.” Notice the references:

“The Way”

“Any who belonged to the Way, whether men or women.” (Acts 9:2 NIV)

“Publicly speaking against the Way.” (Acts 19:9 NLT) Early Christians experienced persecution, via slander in this case.

“I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect.” (Acts 24:14 NIV) Paul here says he is a follower of the Christian Way, which opposing Jews called a divisive sect.

“I persecuted followers of this Way to their death.” (Acts 22:4 NIV) Paul admits his former wrong attitude and action.

“Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way.” (Acts 24:22 NIV)

“Felix, who was accurately informed about the Way.” (Acts 24:22 NAB)

“We know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” (Acts 28:22 NIV) Early Christianity was viewed as a breakaway sect from Judaism.

What we learn from these scriptures, then, is that early Christians were called “Christians,” and the religion was called “the Way”. Other names, including various denominational names, do not seem to fit this Scriptural model of the New Testament church.

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