Encyclopedia entry
Christian
The name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were “brethren,” “the faithful,” “elect,” “saints,” “believers.” But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name “Christian” came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16).
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
The disciples, we are told, (Acts 11:26) were first called Christians at Antioch on the Orontes, somewhere about A.D. 43. They were known to each other as, and were among themselves called, brethren, (Acts 15:1,23; 1 Corinthians 7:12) disciples, (Acts 9:26; 11:29) believers, (Acts 5:14) saints, (Romans 8:27; 15:25) The name “Christian,” which, in the only other cases where it appears in the New Testament, (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) is used contemptuously, could not have been applied by the early disciples to themselves, but was imposed upon them by the Gentile world. There is no reason to suppose that the name “Christian” of itself was intended as a term of scurrility or abuse, though it would naturally be used with contempt.
In the Bible
2
Verses where Christian is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Peter 4:16
But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
- Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”
Scripture on Christian
8
See all 8 +−
Entries that reference Christian
170
See all 170 +−
- JerusalemJohn the ApostleLazarusMaryPaulPentecostPeterPhilemonSilasActs of the ApostlesAgabusAlexandria, Or AlexandriaAlmsAmpliasAnaniasAndronicusAngelsAntiochApellesApocryphaApostleApphiaArchippusAssuranceAsyncritusBabeBaptismBaptism, John’sBethlehemBithyniaBondCandleCanonThe Canon Of ScriptureCarnalCarpusCedarCharityChloeChristChronologyChurchClaudiaClementConversionCrescensCyreneDamnationDeaconDeaconessDemetriusDiotrephesDispensationDispersion, The Jews Of TheDivorceDorcasElath, ElothElderEnchantmentsEpaenetusEpenetusEphesusThe EpicureansEpistlesEubulusEuodiasEvil-speakingExcommunicationFableGaiusGerizimGethsemaneGospelsGraceGrace, means ofHagiographaHermasHermesHerodionHierapolisHospitalityHumilityJesusJudasJudgment, The finalJuliaJuniaJustusKissLaodiceaLaying On Of HandsLebanonLinusLord’s dayLord’s SupperLuciusMachpelahMagiManaenMars HillMercyMiraclesMnasonMysteryNativity of ChristNereusNew TestamentNicolaitansNumberNym PhasOlives, Mount OfOlympasPalacePalestina And PalestinePatriarchPatrobasPersecutionPersisPhariseesPhiladelphiaPhilologusPhilosophyPhlegonPhoebePhygellusPoorPriestPudensQuartusRabbahRed SeaResurrection of the deadRomeRufusSadduceesSamariaSea, The SaltSecundusSeptuagintShadowSimonSopaterSpainStachysStephanasStephenStoicsStrangerSynagogueSyriacTalmudTeil treeTempleTheophilusThyatiraTiberiasTitheTryphenaTyreUrbane, Or UrbaneVersions, Ancient, Of The Old And New TestamentsWarWineWisdom, The, Of SolomonZeal
More illustrations of Christian
1
_(14779821911).jpg)
Voices on Christian
24
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.