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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The disciples weren't the ones who first claimed the name "Christian"; rather, they "were called" it, suggesting it was an appellation given to them by outsiders. This likely wasn't a term of derision, as scholars debate, but rather a straightforward descriptor used by Gentiles recognizing their distinct allegiance to Christ.
Barnabas, seeking to strengthen the burgeoning Christian community in Antioch, finds Paul and brings him there. They spend a full year teaching many people, leading to a significant development: for the first time, the followers of Jesus are distinctly identified by an outsider's name, "Christians." This naming marks a new stage, signifying the growing identity and public recognition of the Jesus movement beyond its Jewish origins.
Why did Barnabas and Paul spend a full year in Antioch? This wasn't just any city; it was a hub of influence that shaped the early church's mission.
Antioch was a major metropolis, third largest in the Roman world at the time. Its strategic location and large population made it a prime target for evangelism.
A City of Influence
The disciples were followers of Jesus, but when did they start being called 'Christians'? This verse marks a pivotal moment in their identity.
The name 'Christian' first appears in Acts 11:26, marking a significant step in the identity of Jesus' followers. It wasn't a name they initially gave themselves, but one bestowed upon them by outsiders.
More Than Just a Label
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.
The naming of disciples as 'Christians' in Antioch wasn't just a label; it signified a crucial shift. It happened in a vibrant, multicultural city where Jewish and Gentile believers merged, and it marked the moment the world began to recognize this new movement, centered on Christ, as distinct from Judaism. This event solidified Antioch's role as a vital hub for Gentile Christianity.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and Early Church Formation
The Day of Pentecost marks the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Disciples begin sharing the message of Jesus, forming the first community of believers.
c. AD 33-36
Stephen's Ministry and Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the first deacons, boldly preaches in Jerusalem but is martyred, causing a widespread persecution of believers. This scattering leads to the gospel spreading beyond Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria.
c. AD 36
Saul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a zealous persecutor of Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He is converted and begins to preach the gospel.
c. AD 37-40
Peter Preaches to Cornelius
Peter, guided by a vision from God, preaches the gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household in Caesarea. This marks a pivotal moment, signifying God's acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring full adherence to Jewish law.
This passage, Jesus' Great Commission, directly parallels the disciples' mandate to spread His name, which ultimately led to them being called 'Christians'.
1 Peter 4:16This verse directly references suffering 'as a Christian,' showing how the name, though perhaps initially given by outsiders, became a badge of honor and identity for believers facing persecution.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage speaks of Christ being highly exalted and all creation confessing Him as Lord, highlighting the ultimate focus of the name 'Christian' – the supreme authority and identity of Jesus.
Acts 26:28King Agrippa's statement, 'Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,' demonstrates how the name had become recognizable and a significant, though not fully embraced, identity even to those outside the faith.
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 first claimed the name "Christian"; rather, they "were called" it, suggesting it was an appellation given to them by outsiders. This likely wasn't a term of derision, as scholars debate, but rather a straightforward descriptor used by Gentiles recognizing their distinct allegiance to Christ.
Barnabas, seeking to strengthen the burgeoning Christian community in Antioch, finds Paul and brings him there. They spend a full year teaching many people, leading to a significant development: for the first time, the followers of Jesus are distinctly identified by an outsider's name, "Christians." This naming marks a new stage, signifying the growing identity and public recognition of the Jesus movement beyond its Jewish origins.
Barnabas, seeking to strengthen the burgeoning Christian community in Antioch, finds Paul and brings him there. They spend a full year teaching many people, leading to a significant development: for the first time, the followers of Jesus are distinctly identified by an outsider's name, "Christians." This naming marks a new stage, signifying the growing identity and public recognition of the Jesus movement beyond its Jewish origins.
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c. AD 40
Gospel Reaches Antioch
Believers scattered by persecution, some from Cyprus and Cyrene, travel to Antioch and begin sharing the gospel with Gentiles. Antioch becomes a major center for this new, inclusive phase of Christianity.
c. AD 40-41— this verse
Barnabas and Saul Teach in Antioch
Barnabas is sent from Jerusalem to oversee the burgeoning work in Antioch. Recognizing the need for Saul's unique gifts, Barnabas travels to Tarsus to find him. Together, they spend a full year teaching and discipling a large congregation in Antioch.
c. AD 44
Herod Agrippa I's Reign
King Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, executes James the Apostle and imprisons Peter. This event, though occurring after the main period of teaching in Antioch described in the verse, highlights the ongoing tensions and persecutions faced by the early church.
"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 first claimed the name "Christian"; rather, they "were called" it, suggesting it was an appellation given to them by outsiders. This likely wasn't a term of derisio…
