The term “Christian” appears only three times in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, all in the New Testament. Understanding the original meaning and context of this word can provide insight into what it meant to be a Christian in biblical times. This article will examine the occurrences of “Christian” in the KJV Bible, look at the original Greek word behind it, and discuss its implications.
The 3 Occurrences of “Christian” in the KJV Bible
The word “Christian” shows up in only three verses in the KJV Bible:
| Reference | Text |
|---|---|
| Acts 11:26 | And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. |
| Acts 26:28 | Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. |
| 1 Peter 4:16 | Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. |
From these verses we can see that the term was first used in Antioch to describe the followers of Jesus Christ. It was also used by King Agrippa in reference to the Apostle Paul, and by Peter to encourage believers who were suffering for their faith.
The Greek Word behind “Christian”
In the original Greek, the word translated as “Christian” in all three of these verses is Χριστιανός (Christianos). This literally meant “follower of Christ.” The root of Christianos is Χριστός (Christos), which is the Greek word for “Christ.” So a Christianos was someone who followed and belonged to Christ.
Some key things to note about this Greek word:
– It ends in -ianos, which was a common suffix denoting belonging/adherence to someone or something. Other examples in Greek are Herodianos (follower of Herod) and Caesarianos (follower of Caesar).
– It is a noun – it describes identity, not merely activity.
– It conveys discipleship – following the teachings and ways of Christ, not simply believing.
So the essence of the word is belonging to Christ and following Him. The emphasis is on an ongoing life of discipleship, not simply conversion.
The Meaning and Context of “Christian”
Given this background, we can discern several key implications about the meaning of “Christian” in the KJV Bible:
1. It indicated a new sect: When “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26), it signified distinction from Judaism. The Church was emerging as a new movement.
2. It denoted public identification: Unlike secret believers like Nicodemus (John 3:1-2), Christians openly identified with Jesus even if it led to ridicule or persecution.
3. It marked allegiance to Christ: To be called a Christian meant your supreme loyalty was to Jesus over any other earthly allegiance.
4. It required evidence of discipleship: The word presupposed following Jesus’ teachings rather than just private faith in Him. There was an expectation of transformed living.
5. It covered all believers: While initially given by outsiders, “Christian” became the common term used by followers of Christ to describe themselves collectively.
So in summary, “Christian” in the KJV Bible refers to those who by public confession and by evidence of discipleship are adherents of Jesus Christ and part of the fellowship of believers that would become known as the Christian Church.
Why is this understanding of “Christian” important?
Insights into the original meaning and context of “Christian” in the Bible should shape how we view the term today. In a day when “Christian” is a broad label applied to all sorts of beliefs and behaviors, it’s important to recapture some key implications from the biblical usage:
– A Christian is a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, not merely an admirer.
– A Christian adheres to the historical orthodox beliefs about Christ.
– A Christian displays Christlike character and conduct empowered by the Spirit.
– A Christian is part of the Church, the community of all true believers.
– A Christian is dedicated to the mission of making disciples and spreading the gospel.
The biblical understanding of “Christian” is very rich. It goes far beyond a casual self-identification or having a vague admiration for Jesus. Learning what it really meant to be a Christian in the early Church can reorient us to the heart of following Jesus in a deep and transformative way.
Conclusion
The word “Christian” only shows up three times in the KJV Bible, but those occurrences have great significance. This name given to early followers of Jesus meant they were adherents and disciples of Christ, publicly identified and aligned with Him and other believers. The Greek word behind “Christian” focuses on ongoing discipleship, not merely conversion. Recapturing this biblical meaning challenges superficial notions of the term today. Being a Christian in the true, biblical sense means devoting one’s whole life to following Jesus together with other believers for the sake of the world.