The designation of “Christian” occurs... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 11:26.

The designation of "Christian" occurs only three times in the New Testament.

The name was first used in Antioch, a city in what is Syria today. The Christian faith had spread abroad beyond the frontiers of Israel. Non-Jews also accepted Christ, as here in Antioch. That they were followers of Jesus Christ was recognised in their surroundings; they were therefore called Christians.

We meet the word "Christian for the second time when the apostle Paul was standing before King Agrippa. Herod Agrippa II was king over the areas north and north-east of Palestine. Before his conversion Paul had persecuted the Christians. Now he himself was standing before the king as a captured disciple of Christ, testifying his conversion. Agrippa said, ‘"You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28).

Some years later believers were being persecuted and killed by the Roman emperor Nero. The apostle Peter wrote to them: "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (1 Peter 4:16).

In all three cases the believers had not given themselves this name; others had ascertained that they were following Jesus Christ and so called them Christians.

Nowadays many people claim to be Christians. However, only few of them truly follow Christ, who had said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). What is your position? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and now follow Him? If so, you are a genuine Christian!

Today's reading: Leviticus 25:1-19 · Psalms 69:29-36