Acts 11:26 (NIV)
The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
What is your name? What does your name mean? Do you or not like your name? Names are distinctions of identity. When you introduce yourself as a Christian, do you really understand the power of this identity and its implications?
No exact date was traced to the coining of this term, “Christian”. The first account appeared in Acts 11:26 when the ongoing vigorous operation of advancing the gospel to every given place in their reach took place. Barnabas and Saul spent a year in Antioch meeting the church and teaching them. Only three times we can single out this title. Two other occasions, we hear of it are:
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
In many cultures such as the Chinese, simple and direct names are pronounced on the person in the ancient times to either call out one’s destiny or associate one’s birth. The more elite and educated would consider deeply its meaning before naming a child to usher one to a promising character and future. The simple folks were very often spontaneously called the child by what they saw at one’s birth such as an animal. Ah Too (pig), Ah Kau (dog), Ah Neow (cat) are some common ones in the old days which are still very frequently heard of now. In the Western world and also the bible times, many carried names which are linked to their vocation like Smith and Baker. Names are attachment labels to who and what they are, and where they came from. Matthew the publican (Matthew 10:3); Luke the physician (Colossians 4:14); Erastus the chamberlain (Romans 16:23); Rahab the harlot (Hebrews 11:31).
Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus the Nazarene. This is the earthly name he bore. “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. (John 1:46) Nazarene was a scornful tag. Nothing was deemed good in Nazareth. Totally unflattering to be associated with a lowly, unaffluent place. But we all know the greatest story sprung up from here. Those belonging to Christ, who are called by him and believe in him – they are simply believers, saints, or brethrens. The title or name designated in Antioch to the believers as Christians is an honourable and dignified label. Who are we? The Christians. What are we when we call ourselves Christians?
People belonging to God bearing the big family name, Christ in us – the believers of the truth, embracing his death and resurrection, obeying his teaching, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. This is the powerful weight of the Christian. Whether we put it as a title in front or as a family name after our first name, Christian (so and so) or (so and so) Christian, internalise the depth of its meaning.
Significance. Substance. Strength. Spirit-filled.
This is who we are – Christians, Christ in us!
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 26 May 2020.