{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 11: The Origin of "Christian"","description":"In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. \u201cDisciple\u201d is the most used word in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus. It is used 261 times. The word \u201cChristian\u201d is used only 3 times in the New Testament. Brothers and sisters, believers, followers are also used but \u201cdisciples\u201d is Jesus\u2019 favorite word to describe His followers.   Matthew 29:19-20 - the Great Commission - Jesus says, \u201cTherefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.\u201d   The other 2 uses of Christian: Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, \u201cDo you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?\u201d 1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.   The New Testament word appears to be invented by the opposition, a derisive term patterned after the names of Roman political parties; Example those following Herod = Herodians, or followers of Pompe = Pompeians.   Christian = Christ followers. Or \u201cChrist-ers.\u201d   Followers of Jesus accepted and reveled in the name.  In the writings of non-Christian people we see them embracing that term. \u201cAnd the tribe of the Christians so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.\u201d - Josephus, Antiquities, Book 18 (ca. 93A.D.)    Another example from an adamant unbeliever: \u201cConsequently, to get rid of the reports, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilat\u2026\u201d Tacitus, The Annals, Book 15 (ca.118 A.D.)   Christian is all about the Messiah, the Christ of God, the Lord Jesus our Savior and the world\u2019s Savior.  It\u2019s also about our mission to bring others to Christ where there is healing, forgiveness, and hope of eternal life.     We are called to bear His Name with joy, confidence and power!!     Now What? Learn about God at https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/sunday-service   Or watch from our Youtube channel https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@AwakeUsNow\/videos     Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. ","author_name":"Awake Us Now","author_url":"https:\/\/www.awakeusnow.com\/","html":"