Just A Christian?

“…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26, KJV) Who were these “disciples” who were called “Christians” first in Antioch (of Syria)? Let’s back up and read the text beginning in verse 19.

“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:19-26, KJV, emphasis mine, bgg)  

Compare the emphasized text above with John 6:44-45 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.  It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” There it is. Those who come to Jesus must hear, learn and come. But hear what and learn what? The “gospel” of course. The “gospel” is a message that must be preached and obeyed. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16, KJV)  

The apostle Paul wrote the following concerning this gospel: “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you–unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (I Corinthians 15:1-5, ESV) On the Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ the apostle Peter preached the crucified, buried and resurrected Christ and, when asked by believing and heart-pricked Jews “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter responded, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, ESV) Verse 41 states that those who had received the word were baptized and there were added about 3,000 souls.

They heard, learned and came. They became disciples in the fullest meaning of that word. They were born again of an incorruptible seed, the word of God. (I Peter 1:22-23) They became what later came to be called, Christians. Friend, you can be just a Christian; a disciple; a follower of Jesus Christ. We would be delighted to study with you from the Bible, the book of God. We are Christians; just Christians.