The word “Christian” means... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

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

The word "Christian" means "a disciple of Christ". In Antioch, an ancient metropolis where Greek was spoken, this name was given to those who recognised Jesus as the Christ, the Saviour sent by God. He brought "grace and truth", but people rejected Him and crucified Him. God, however, raised Him up and received Him in heaven. Since then this has been preached in the whole world.

It can hardly have been Jews who gave the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth the name of "Christians", for they themselves expected Christ, their Messiah, who had been announced by the prophets. But they refused to recognise the Messiah in the Person of Jesus. Meanwhile the gospel had spread beyond Israel's frontiers. People in the surrounding countries heard it and many believed it. These believers, whether of Jewish origin or from pagan lands, were called "Christians" by the inhabitants of their environment.

The title was probably also used derisively for those who, as Christians, worshipped One who had been crucified as their God. Yet what an honourable title it was for Christ's disciples!

For centuries "Christian" is the general designation of countless persons, although it has lost much of its significance in the course of time. Those who have been redeemed by Christ should bear the name in a manner worthy of Him by actually following Him.

"If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (1 Peter 4:16).

Today's reading: Leviticus 22:1-33 · Psalm 68:20-27