Articles
Who Is A Christian?
Have you ever noticed how that the word "Christian" is mainly tossed about in a second hand sense by the world? Especially in the "media" where it is used mainly as an adjective to describe a thing. "Christian Music", "Christian Schools" or even "Christian Churches"?
How does the Bible use this word?
Well the Bible only uses the word "Christian" three times and in each of those references the word Christian is used to describe a person. Let's look at those references.
In Acts 11:26 "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."
This is the first reference to the name Christian found in all of Scripture. The word "called" in this instance, actually means that they were given this name by God. You can see my article linked below.
The point which I want to emphasize at this time is that it was disciples who were called Christians. These were followers or learners who committed themselves to hearing and obeying what Jesus commanded. In this case it was Jesus through the apostles Paul and Barnabas who were working with the disciples in Antioch. They didn't rename the church because it was still the church of Christ or of God in Christ but nowhere do we read the description of the church as being the "Christian Church".
Acts 26:28 "And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”
This is the second time we read the word "Christian" in the New Testament. Paul was giving his legal defense before King Agrippa while in Roman custody because of accusations arising from a civil disruption in Jerusalem at the Temple. His persuasive words were convincing and effective but King Agrippa made light of what Paul said, mocking the idea that he would ever be converted and become a "Christian." Agrippa recognized that this would jeopardize his political position with the Romans and the Jews. Although he certainly could see the power of what Paul was saying, he could not risk the consequences of allowing himself to believe and follow the message Paul was preaching. But even if he had become a Christian, he wouldn't have been a "Christian King," (Jesus is our King), rather he would have been just a Christian who happened to be a king.
1 Peter 4:16 "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
Peter wrote his first General Epistle and sent it out to many of the churches where Paul had also preached. The hand of the Roman Empire lay heavily on the provinces over which they ruled. Peter tells them that they needed to walk in such a way that they did not give reason for the Romans to punish them as murderers, robbers, or other evildoers. If they suffered for such things, it would be no glory to God! Along with the Romans' oppressive grip, the Jews also exerted their wrath toward those who were followers of the "Way". Peter exhorted to maintain a clear conscience in all their conduct.
The name "Christian" is not a shield to magically prevent suffering, rather Peter tells us that it is a name that is worthy to shamelessly suffer for. It is the only name in which those who suffer can render glory to God for that suffering.
So in conclusion on this topic, the name Christian is a name which God gave to Jesus' disciples to identify them as belonging to Christ, and a name which has the power of compelling reasons to wear it. Although it is not the guarantee of a life of comfort and ease on this Earth, it is the name followers of Jesus can proudly wear as we suffer for the eternal kingdom of God.
May we all strive to be worthy to be called "Christians"!
Michael Franklin
