Bible Reading: Job 22-24; Acts 11
“…. and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” – Acts 11:26 (KJV)
There are various meanings of the word Christian. But a good understanding of the origin of that word will help us know the meaning and the set of people it describes. The term was first used in Antioch, most likely it was used by unbelievers to describe people who talk about Christ.
The name was given to believers because Christ was the main theme of their preaching, their teaching and their conversation. They tirelessly recounted the incidents that had occurred during the days of His earthly ministry, they dwelt upon the many miracles He performed, they spoke of His betrayal, trial and execution, and the humility He displayed all through and how He prayed for His persecutors. His death and resurrection, amongst others. This they did continually.
The people of Antioch noted that these people, or believers, talked about and behaved like the Christ they have accepted and called them Christians. Today, to be a Christian, you must first accept Christ as Lord and personal saviour, then our words must be full of His word like the saints of old in preaching to others and living out what we preach. We must esteem the word of God more than our necessary food (Job 23:12b), like our Master, Jesus, who took the work of God as food (John 4:34).
Prayer: Father, I thank You for your Son, Jesus