Who is a Christian?:
The definition of Christian is a matter of great debate — every Christian group seems to have their own definition that includes themselves but excludes many others. The simplest, most basic definition of Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. How one “follows” and what one thinks about Jesus (aside from him being the Christ) varies considerably.
The definition of Christian is a matter of great debate — every Christian group seems to have their own definition that includes themselves but excludes many others. The simplest, most basic definition of Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. How one “follows” and what one thinks about Jesus (aside from him being the Christ) varies considerably.
When did Christians originate?:
The origin of the label Christian is unkown. It means “follower of” or “partisans of Christ,” so it wouldn’t have been used by Jews. Acts 24:5 records Jews referring to Christians as “the sect of the Nazarenes.” The New Testament records Christians using terms like saints, disciples, brothers, etc., to describe each other so they may not have created the Christian label. It may have begun as an insult from Roman officials, as with Tacitus and Suetonius.
The origin of the label Christian is unkown. It means “follower of” or “partisans of Christ,” so it wouldn’t have been used by Jews. Acts 24:5 records Jews referring to Christians as “the sect of the Nazarenes.” The New Testament records Christians using terms like saints, disciples, brothers, etc., to describe each other so they may not have created the Christian label. It may have begun as an insult from Roman officials, as with Tacitus and Suetonius.
Where did Christians originate?:
According to Acts 11:26, the first people to be called Christians were followers of Jesus in Antioch. The only other references to “Christians” in the New Testament occur in Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:14-16. Although the label Christian likely started as a term of reproach, by the end of the first century CE Christians themselves already started using it positively.
According to Acts 11:26, the first people to be called Christians were followers of Jesus in Antioch. The only other references to “Christians” in the New Testament occur in Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:14-16. Although the label Christian likely started as a term of reproach, by the end of the first century CE Christians themselves already started using it positively.
