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1
A Nickname That Stuck
Scholars widely agree that the title "Christian" was not created by the believers themselves, who preferred terms like "disciples" or "brethren." It was likely a nickname given by the Gentile population of Antioch, modeled on Roman names for followers of a leader (like "Herodians"). This external label helped solidify the church's unique identity, showing it was seen as distinct from Judaism.
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Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 11:26
18th Century
Theologian
That a whole year. Antioch was a city exceedingly important in its numbers, wealth, and influence. It was for this reason, probably, that …
AT Robertson
On Acts 11:26
Even for a whole year (κα ενιαυτον ολον). Accusative of extent of time, probably the year A.D. 44, the year preceding the visit to…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 11:26
19th Century
Bishop
The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.—The term for “were called” is not the word usually translated this way. Bet…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 11:26
Sometime after reaching Antioch, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul to help him in the ministry back in Syria. We have no record of what Saul was…
John Calvin
On Acts 11:26
16th Century
Theologian
He adds afterward that such a holy concord was blessed from heaven, for this was no small honor that the holy name of Christians began there for th…
John Gill
On Acts 11:26
17th Century
Pastor
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch
That he might be useful in directing, and assisting in settling…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 11:25–30
17th Century
Minister
Previously, the followers of Christ were called disciples (that is, learners and scholars); but from that time, they were called Christians. The pr…