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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples weren't the ones who named themselves "Christians"; this distinct title was given to them by outsiders in Antioch, highlighting their unique adherence to Christ and setting them apart from any Jewish sect. This outward designation marked a significant moment, signaling that the faith was no longer viewed as merely a branch of Judaism but as a distinct movement centered entirely on Jesus.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Barnabas finds Saul and brings him to Antioch, where they spend a full year teaching and ministering to a large congregation. This period of significant growth and instruction leads to the disciples in Antioch being the first to be called "Christians," a new and distinctive name that marks a major step in the spread of the gospel beyond its Jewish origins.
Barnabas and Saul didn't just visit Antioch; they embedded themselves for a whole year. What was so crucial about this extended stay?
The text highlights a "whole year" that Barnabas and Saul spent with the church in Antioch, teaching and assembling with believers. This wasn't a brief evangelistic blitz, but a period of intentional discipleship and community building.
Suddenly, the followers of Jesus had a new name. Who gave it, and what did it signify?
The pivotal moment in Antioch was the disciples being "first called Christians." This wasn't a name they chose for themselves; it arose from the surrounding culture.
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Understand the original words
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
A gathered assembly or community of believers in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it refers both to the universal body of believers and local congregations meeting for worship and fellowship.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Followers or learners of a teacher; in the New Testament, this refers specifically to those who have committed themselves to following the teachings and person of Jesus Christ.
Christianos · Greek Noun
A title given to followers of Christ, meaning 'belonging to the party of Christ' or 'adherents of Christ.' It signifies those who are identified by their allegiance to and imitation of Jesus.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity, leading to the formation of the earliest believing communities.
c. AD 33-36
Stephen's Ministry and Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the early deacons, preaches boldly and is martyred, scattering believers from Jerusalem.
c. AD 36
Peter's Vision and Cornelius' Conversion
Peter, following a divine vision, visits and preaches to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marking a pivotal moment in Gentile inclusion.
c. AD 36-37
Gentile believers begin preaching in Antioch
Following Peter's encounter with Cornelius, believers scattered from Jerusalem begin preaching to Gentiles in Antioch, establishing the first predominantly Gentile church.
c. AD 40-41
Barnabas sent to Antioch
News of the Gentile conversions reaches Jerusalem, and Barnabas is sent to investigate and encourage the new believers.
c. AD 41-42
Barnabas seeks out Saul
Recognizing the growing work and the need for teaching, Barnabas travels to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him to Antioch.
c. AD 42-43— this verse
Disciples first called Christians in Antioch
While ministering and teaching together in Antioch for a year, Barnabas and Saul are joined by the growing community, and the believers are first identified by the name 'Christians'.
This passage directly uses the term 'Christian' in a context of suffering, highlighting that the name, though perhaps given by outsiders, became a badge of honor for believers facing persecution.
Acts 26:28King Agrippa's response to Paul, 'Almost you persuade me to be a Christian,' shows the name was recognized by non-believers and used to describe a distinct identity, even if grudgingly.
Philippians 2:5This verse speaks to having 'the same mind' as Christ, which is the essence of what it means to be a Christian. The name adopted in Antioch signified a deep allegiance to Christ's character and teachings.
Romans 7:3The verb used in Acts 11:26 for 'were called' also appears here, illustrating how a name or label can be associated with a particular identity or status, in this case, an adulteress.
Matthew 10:25Jesus warned his disciples that they would be called 'Beelzebul' by their enemies. This parallels how the disciples in Antioch received a new, identifying name from the outside world, even if it wasn't initially intended as a compliment.
barnesActs 11:26: "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
That a whole year - Antioch was a city exceedingly important in its numbers, wealth, and influence. It was for this reason, probably, that they spent so long a time there, instead of traveling in other places. The attention of the apostles was early and chiefly di…
expositorsActs 11:26: "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
Chapter 7 THE HARVEST OF THE GENTILES. Acts 11:26 THE eleventh chapter of the Acts is clearly divisible into two portions. There is first the narrative of St. Peter’s reception at Jerusalem after the conversion of Cornelius, and secondly the story of the origin of…
The disciples weren't the ones who named themselves "Christians"; this distinct title was given to them by outsiders in Antioch, highlighting their unique adherence to Christ and setting them apart from any Jewish sect. This outward designation marked a significant moment, signaling that the faith was no longer viewed as merely a branch of Judaism but as a distinct movement centered entirely on Jesus.
Barnabas finds Saul and brings him to Antioch, where they spend a full year teaching and ministering to a large congregation. This period of significant growth and instruction leads to the disciples in Antioch being the first to be called "Christians," a new and distinctive name that marks a major step in the spread of the gospel beyond its Jewish origins.
Barnabas finds Saul and brings him to Antioch, where they spend a full year teaching and ministering to a large congregation. This period of significant growth and instruction leads to the disciples in Antioch being the first to be called "Christians," a new and distinctive name that marks a major step in the spread of the gospel beyond its Jewish origins.
"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." — The disciples weren't the ones who named themselves "Christians"; this distinct title was given to them by outsiders in Antioch, highlighting their unique adherence to Christ and setting them apart f…
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Last reviewed October 2026