They Were First Called Christians

S-Scripture:  Acts 11:26, “And when he (Barnabas) had found him (Saul), he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”  (NKJV)

O-Observation:  Barnabas was an encourager.  He always took opportunities to encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ.  We can learn a lot from the ministry of Barnabas.  Barnabas went back to Tarsus (verse 25) to find Saul.  When he located him, they traveled back to Antioch and stayed with the church there for an entire year.  While in Antioch, the disciples were called “Christians” by their enemies.  The word Christian means follower of Christ, a person who imitates Jesus.  These disciples did just that, and the people could not stand it! 

A-Application:  The word Christian has lost its meaning in our culture.  Everyone who goes to church is a “Christian” now a days.  But the disciples of old, were not just “Christian” by name, they truly were followers of Christ.  They loved people, they discipled people, they did many wonders and signs before the people.  They truly lived up to the name, “Christian.”  Do people truly think I am a Christian?  or, do they just call me “Christian” because I am associated with some religious group or affiliation.  Hopefully, they will call me a Christian because I am a follower of Jesus Christ.  What about your life?  What is this next Generation calling “Christians”….Are you ready for this?  “unChristian!”  May the Lord help us change the thoughts of those who are outside the Christian faith.

P-Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Barnabas and Saul.  Thank you for the church at Antioch.  They lived their lives so close to Jesus that their enemies called them “Christians”.  Help us to truly live up to the name “Christian”.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.