“What’s in a name?” opined Juliet in Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet.
Her answer: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
That sentiment is often echoed in religious discussions. Through the years, I’ve heard people say, “There’s nothing in a name!”
But is that really so?
What does the Bible say? How are believers identified—and why?
In today’s passage, the Bible says, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).
There are three important words to consider in this text.
#1 Called
Some critics of Christianity claim the disciples were called Christians in derision—a nickname given to mock and ridicule them.
However, the word “called” can carry the idea of a divinely directed designation in Scripture. This was not a derisive nickname, but a name consistent with God’s unfolding purpose.
Furthermore, our calling is not miraculous or mystical; it occurs through the gospel. Paul affirmed in 2 Thessalonians 2:14 that God “called you by our gospel.”
#2 Christians
Being called a Christian is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that God would call His people by “a new name” (Isa. 62:2).
The suffix “-ian” in Latin means “belonging to” or “associated with.” Thus, we belong to Christ.
The expression “in Christ” is found numerous times in the New Testament. Romans 12:5 affirms that we belong to Him in one body. It is in Christ that we are sanctified (1 Cor. 1:2), enjoy all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), experience peace (Phil. 4:7), and base our eternal hope (1 Cor. 15:19).
So the name “Christian” is not incidental—it defines both identity and relationship.
Furthermore, a Christian is more than a name, more than church membership, more than a religious affiliation checked off on a form. A Christian is not merely labeled—but shaped.
Consider the exhortations regarding Christian living:
- Be sober-minded.
- Be holy.
- Be of one mind.
- Be tenderhearted.
- Be courteous.
- Be hospitable.
- Be not barren or unfruitful.
- Be ready to give a defense.
- Be watchful.
- Be clothed with humility.
- Be partakers of the divine nature.
- Be diligent.
- Be godly.
#3 Disciples
Before believers were ever called Christians, they were known as disciples.
A Christian is a disciple of Christ—a follower, a learner, a pupil.
A cursory study of first-century disciples, beginning with Acts 2:42–47, reveals that discipleship:
…Requires attachment to the Body of Christ. You can’t go it alone.
…Involves learning. Increasing in knowledge is a must.
…Engages in a devoted, loving fellowship. Think the “one another” commands.
…Issues itself in worship. Assembling with fellow Christians to praise God is vital.
…Results in evangelistic outreach. How can you not share the joy of your faith?
Discipleship is not an event; it is a process—a lifelong endeavor to be conformed to the image of Christ and to exemplify His character.
This short, simple statement—“the disciples were called Christians”—is packed with profound implications.
What about you?
Would you be a Christian? Would you heed His calling? Would you be His disciple?
The name matters—because the life behind it matters.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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