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The word “Christian” appears only three times in the King James Version (KJV) of the 66 books, 1,189 chapters and 31,173 verses of the Bible.
The word was first used in Antioch, a city which is called Antakya in Turkey, today. It was in this city that the early disciples of Christ Jesus were called Christians.
“Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST AT ANTIOCH” (Acts 11:25-26 NIV).
Later, after the term had been used, Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, recorded it again in Acts 26:28 when King Agrippa used it in his communication with Paul.
“And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to BE A CHRISTIAN?” (Acts 26:28).
The word “Christian” was finally used by Peter in his first letter to the Jewish believers to encourage them to stand strong in the face of the persecution they were suffering.
“Yet if anyone SUFFERS AS A CHRISTIAN, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (Jesus)” (1 Peter 4:16).
From Acts 11:25-26, it appears clearly that the followers of Christ, also known as disciples were called Christians by the non-believers in Antioch.
Perhaps, they saw the character of Christ Jesus – His humility, love, patience, meekness, gentleness, faithfulness, simplicity, boldness and wisdom in their conducts or speech.
It could also be that they saw them, preaching the gospel with miracles, signs and wonders accompanying them. Or they saw them, teaching the word of God with great power, praying in the Holy Ghost, healing the sick in Jesus’ mighty name.
But what is the origin and meaning of the word Christian? It is said to have been derived from a Greek word, “christianos.” which is frequently alleged to be a combination of two words namely, “Christ” and “ianos.” “Christos” in Greek means “Christ” in English while “ianos” in Greek is claimed to mean “little” in English.
Thus, C.S Lewis is often attributed to have stated that “a Christian is to become a little Christ.”
However, the explanation above is disputed as the word Christian is commonly explained to mean “a follower of Christ” or “belonging to the party of Christ”. A follower of Christ is a disciple of Christ.
Moreover, the term “Christian” may be used to describe a relationship or fellowship a person has with Christ Jesus.
So, to be a Christian is to have relationship or fellowship with Christ. It is to be connected with Christ. In fact, it is to be joined to Christ to become one spirit with Him.
By James Quansah
