What is the meaning of the term Christian?

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TL;DR:

The term Christian was coined to refer to those who followed Jesus Christ. A true Christian is determined by their faith in Jesus and following Him.

from the old testament

  • There were no Christians in the Old Testament because Christ had not yet come.

from the new testament

implications for today

Generally, the Romans did not grant religious freedom to the peoples they conquered. Instead, Rome simply added new gods to their pantheon and required conquered peoples to worship their gods along with all the others in Roman temples. However, Jews were given special permission to continue their monotheistic religious practices. So it was advantageous for early Christians to identify as a new Jewish sect. Conversely, as the Jews began to rebel against Roman rule and the Romans became increasingly hostile toward the Jews, followers of Jesus saw the need to differentiate themselves from the Jewish faith. By the time Rome destroyed the temple in Jerusalem in AD 70, followers of Jesus were using the term Christian for themselves. Despite this distinction, Christians still suffered considerable persecution periodically until the rule of Constantine and the Edict of Milan in AD 313.

Since that time, the term Christian has meant different things to different people. Although some people refer to a Christian as someone who believes in God but is not Jewish or Muslim, or someone who simply professes to be Christian perhaps for a cultural reason, a true Christian is someone who follows Jesus Christ in faith and obedience, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior. A true Christian is not merely defined by religious affiliation or cultural identity but by a transformed heart, evidenced by love for God, faith in His Word, and a life that reflects Christ’s teachings. As Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The defining mark of a Christian is not just belief in Christ but a commitment to live in accordance with His will, trusting in His grace for salvation and seeking to glorify God in all things.

understand

  • The term Christian was first used in Antioch for Jesus’ followers.
  • Early believers called themselves disciples, saints, and the elect.
  • A true Christian follows Jesus in faith, obedience, and a transformed life.

reflect

  • How does your understanding of being a Christian align with what the Bible teaches about following Jesus?
  • How does your life reflect the faith and obedience that define a true Christian?
  • How can you ensure that your identity as a Christian is rooted in Christ rather than cultural or personal definitions?

engage

  • How did the early use of the term Christian shape the identity of Jesus’ followers, and how does that compare to how we use the term today?
  • What are the dangers of defining Christian based on culture, tradition, or personal preference rather than biblical teaching?
  • How can we help others understand that being a Christian is about faith and obedience to Christ rather than just a label or affiliation?