Christian (Χριστιανός) is a word that describes those who are Christ like. The disciples of Christ first gained the name Christian in Antioch after Paul taught them for a year about the salvation we have in Christ, Acts 11:26.
Within the city of Antioch, the disciples were first named Christians. Named, is typically used of a warning; therefore, Christian was a term associated with those who followed the resurrected, glorified, Christ. When Paul was speaking with Agrippa concerning The Way, which is the name that the Church belonging to God was first known by, Acts 24:14, King Agrippa uses the term Christian in response to Paul speaking concerning why he was in bonds in Acts 26:28. The apostle Peter also uses the term Christian in his first letter, encouraging the saints that were scattered that if they suffer as a Christian, one who is acting Christ like, they are not to be ashamed, but to express a proper opinion of God, 1 Peter 4:16. Therefore, the name Christian became well known as relating to those who believe in the resurrection of Christ.
Although there are many who claim the name, “Christian” today, it is a title that belongs to the assembly of God – the body of the Christ, for it describes those who are taught and live out the gospel of the Christ which Paul, the steward of the dispensation, laid out for the saints. Although Paul himself never directly uses the term Christian in his writings, it is a name that he was acquainted with and knew belonged to those of The Way, Acts 26:28. His lack of direct use indicates the name “Christian” was given to those of The Way by the unbelieving Jews in Antioch, and was used of a warning type of name rather than a title claimed by followers of Paul’s teaching. Today the term Christian has become synonymous with a person who follows or adheres to the teachings of Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the Son of God, the Savior, and the central figure of their faith. It is a good name to remind the saints that their lives should be Christ like by putting on the new man and living out their salvation.
“The Way” is the title that early believers in the body of the Christ used to distinguish themselves from Judaism. Since Jesus is the only way to salvation, it is likely this title came from Jesus’ declaration that He is the way, John 14:6. Paul uses this title concerning the faith he lived by when facing charges from the Jews before the governor of Caesarea, Acts 24:10-14, who had an accurate knowledge of The Way, Acts 24:22. Paul taught The Way in the city of Ephesus, beginning in the synagogues, which was his custom; however, the Jews rejected the truth, and started speaking bad of The Way. Therefore, Paul and his followers separated from the synagogues, Acts 19:9. Some teachers attempt to separate The Way into a different group from those who are members of the Body of the Christ; however, it is only used in Scripture to describe those who follow the gospel of the Christ which Paul teaches and, therefore, cannot be separated from the Church, Acts 19:23-26.
