A disciple of Jesus Christ. The word was originally a nickname given by outsiders to those who had come to faith through the preaching of Barnabas and Paul in Antioch (11:26). The word is used twice more in the NT, in Acts 26:28, where Agrippa, after debating with Paul for a while when the latter was in prison in Caesarea, asked Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" and in 1 Pet 4:16, where Peter reminded his readers who "suffer as a Christain" not to be ashamed, but to praise God that they bear that name.
This explanation, however, presents only the historical fact of the origin of the word. What it means to be a Christian is far far more marvelous.An fuller exposition on this subject is being written for ALBERITH.
Further Reading & Resources:
Leonardo De Chirico, "TO BE OR NOT TO BE. Exercising Theological Stewardship of the Name Christian," Foundations 82 (May 2022): 8-22.
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