How did we get the name "Christian"?

Have you ever wondered where the name Christian came from? Acts 11:26 tells us: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

No, a church committee didn't think this one up. What’s interesting about this word “Christian” is it appears to have originated as a sort of slap in the face--a slur: "Oh, you follow this Christ fellow. You’re a Christian—a Christ-one." If you’ll excuse the comparison, it was probably like being called a right-winger or a Campbellite or a Yankee or something like that.

The Roman historian, Tacitus, writing near the end of the first century, says, "The vulgar call them Christians. The author or origin of this denomination, Christus, had, in the reign of Tiberius, been executed by the procurator, Pontius Pilate."

And the context of Acts 11 backs this up. It was in the context of persecution that they were first called Christians. And let me tell you, early Christians had it rough! They were misunderstood, maligned, and mistreated. They were falsely accused of being a dangerous cult. People said they were political insurrectionists because they did not acknowledge Caesar as a god worthy of worship. People said they were cannibals because they celebrated the Lord’s Supper. They even (get this) accused them of being atheists, because they did not have temples to worship in! Probably the most telling was that Christians were called “cross worshippers” because of the significance they placed on the death of Christ. The pagans added, cryptically, “they worship that which they deserve.” Talk about a PR nightmare for the church! The word Christian had become synonymous with trouble.

The apostle Peter wrote to encourage the church in the midst of this persecution. He says, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16). Though the enemies of Christ thought they were doing harm to the movement by calling them names, it was that very name, “Christian” that stuck and inspired the disciple of Christ to action! Far from being a shameful thing, to be called a Christian came to be a badge of honor.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16a).

-WJS-