Bible Discussion Thread

As bible believers we call our selves Christian's but Christian are not found in the bible so where did it come from or originate?

Hello Keron. The Bible tells us that "the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch" ( Acts 11:26). I think that the word 'disciples' probably refers to all those who subscribed to the teachings of Jesus & followed Him & not just the twelve. And that is essentially what 'Christian' means: a Christ follower. At that time, it was used more as a derogatory word & probably spoken with disdain against those 'sectarians' who turned their backs to Judaism, embracing this Person called 'the Christ'.

Other terms were also applied to these new 'sectarians', such as Nazarenes & those of The Way. Probably taken from the One they considered their Teacher/Rabbi, of his origin & proclamation ( Matthew 2:23; John 14:6).

And then we see that the word 'Christian' came more into vogue, as King Agrippa himself used the word ( Acts 26:28) & Peter referring to those who suffer as a Christian, as opposed to those suffering for any wrongdoing or even a false accusation, whether Christian or not ( 1 Peter 4:16).