Where Did the Word “Christian” Come From?

I’ve often wondered where the word “Christian” first began being used especially after watching a particular episode of the show, The Chosen, where the disciples were discussing how the Greeks had begun calling them “Christians.”

This word first appeared in the Bible in Acts 11:26 –

“…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.”

Stephen had been martyred for his faith which began the persecution of those who shared the same faith hence scattered the disciples from Jerusalem. While the other disciples went to places where they preached to other Jews, Barnabas, and the newly saved Saul went to Antioch and preached to the Greeks (aka Gentiles). Here in Antioch was where the Greeks did indeed coin the word “Christians.” (Exploring the New Testament City of Antioch)

So, what does this word, Christian, actually mean?

In researching on the web, I’ve seen a variety of meanings such as “Christ-like,” “little anointed one,” and “follower of Christ.”

I like to look at it in another way though.

Those who are citizens of countries become known as such. Examples are American (citizen of the United States), Italian (citizen of Italy), or Ukrainian (citizen of Ukraine).

So, when we accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us sealing us forever as a child of God, citizen of our eternal Home and Kingdom of Jesus Christ of which we become also known as Christians (citizens of Heaven).