Looking round us today, it seems Christianity is now just a religious tag for those who bear names from the Bible, are born into Christian families, believe in the words of the Bible or affiliate with any Church. But in the beginning, it wasn’t so. In Acts 11 vs 25-26, it was in Antioch that the word was initially used to refer to the disciples. Latin word’ Christianos’ some Bible scholars translated as ‘Christ followers’.
Another meaning says ‘having the manner and spiritual character proper to a follower of Christ’. It was used as a noun then but later turned into an adjective to describe the lifestyle of people who profess to follow Christ.
This name occurs about three times in the New Testament ( Acts 11:26 ; 26:28 ; 1 Peter 4:16 ).
Some believed it was meant to be a derogatory term and that the disciples never called themselves by the name Christians. However, what I want us to note here is the most likely definition given above. What brought out the name was the character observed in the lives of the disciples which separated them from every other people in Antioch; the Character of Christ.
Today what we see is power display with little or no Character to hold it. In the book of Matt 7 vs 21-23, Jesus told his disciples
‘Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity’
Arrogance, pride, manipulation, greed, lies, dishonesty seem to be the order of the day among us who profess to be Christians. Where is the place of the character which defined a Christian? Let’s look at some of the character attributes in the life of Jesus Christ which he displayed when he was here on earth to see where we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have derailed.
He was Obedient
Our Lord Jesus during his time on earth was obedient to God. Hebrews 5 vs 8:
"Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered" and in Romans 5:19
"Through the obedience of the one shall the many be made righteous" He did not consider the pain he had to endure, he could have refused if he wanted to but he willingly offered his life as propitiation for our sins. There was a time that he was exceedingly sorrowful because of what he was about to go through, Matt. 26 vs 38-39
‘Then saith he unto them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful even unto death, tarry ye here and watch with me’.
‘And he went a little farther and fell on his face and prayed saying’O my father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not s I will, but s thou will’"
He was also in total obedience (subjection) to his earthly parents. Luke 2:51a
‘And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them’.
He was not a fame seeker, though fame found him
Luke 5 vs 13-15
“And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will be thou cleaned. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And he charged him to tell no man: but go and show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him and great multitude came together to hear and to be healed of their infirmities.”
He was focused on the mission he did not allow men’s grandiose plan distract him. John 6 vs 15
“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed into a mountain himself alone. escaped when they were going to forcefully make him a king”.
He was humble
"He humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" Philippians 2:8
Jesus Christ was so humble that he could not be easily distinguished from his disciples, Judas had to single him out for his captors by a kiss.
Conclusion
This is just a few of the character attributes of Jesus Christ that must have been evidence in the life of the disciples for them to be addressed as Christians. He lived a holy life, beyond reproach.
let us therefore live as true followers of Jesus Christ, that those who see us and interact with us, may profess that we are Christians.
References
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/christian
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/christian/
- https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/obedience-of-christ/
- The Kings James Version of The Holy Bible