THE LAW OF FIRST MENTION: CHRISTIAN

As the church in Jerusalem began to grow, they were faithful to Jesus’ command to carry the Gospel message beyond their borders. Philip went to Samaria (Acts 8). Peter went to Caesarea and Joppa on the Mediterranean coast (Acts 10-11). Barnabas went to Antioch in Syria (Acts 11:19-30).

With the assistance of a new believer named Saul (later Paul), Barnabas evangelized the cosmopolitan city of Antioch. It was there that “the disciples were first called Christians”

(Acts 11:26).

The term “Christian” was probably used to slander followers of Christ. Like bullies on the playground, those in the Greek and Roman cultures, probably teased and taunted the followers of Christ. “Nanny-nanny-boo-boo … you’re a little Christ … you’re a Christian!”

The disciples at Antioch could, with Joseph, say, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good” (Genesis 50:20). The derogatory term became a rallying cry. The Christians were proud to be associated with the name of Christ. They were proud to be little Christs … imitators of Christ … Christians. 

Peter, who would be crucified for his faithful obedience to Christ, wrote to the “exiles” (1 Peter 1:1), the disbursed and persecuted church living in distant places. “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name” (1 Peter 4:16).

Every disciple of Jesus should make it their life’s goal to live in such a way that the world would see that we are a Christ-follower … a Christian. 

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).