Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 5Smakprov

According to Acts 11:26, Jesus’ disciples were “first called Christians” in Antioch. Since this new word for ‘followers of Christ’ was coined in Antioch rather than Israel, it may indicate that the Christian movement was being recognized among Gentiles as something distinct from Judaism or religion. The Greek noun Christos (Christ) comes from the word “Christianos”, meaning belonging to Christ. This term came from the Romans and was an honourable term as it indicated the disciples living Christlike lives.

This term itself explains the remarkable relationship between the follower and Christ. This follower now belongs to Christ, and his/her whole life speaks of it. Their love for Christ and faith in him does not look like any other religious system or sect but is completely based on a relationship with Christ.

The term “Christian” conveys a deep spiritual truth for each of us. If I call myself a Christian, do I believe that I belong to a new spiritual family? And if so, does my life reflect a Christlike life?

Believers in Christ are empowered by Him to live like Him.