July 19 | The Word "Christian" Only Appears 3 Times in the Bible - Here's What Early Believers Really Called Themselves (Copy)
Hold up. Before you call yourself a Christian today, you need to know something that's going to completely transform how you see your faith.
The Shocking Biblical Truth About the Word "Christian"
I'm about to share something with you that most believers have never realized: The word "Christian" appears exactly three times in the entire Bible.
Three.
That's it.
Let that sink in for a moment. In over 31,000 verses spanning from Genesis to Revelation, the term we use to define our entire faith identity shows up only three times. And here's what's even more mind-blowing - the early believers never actually called themselves Christians.
What Did the First Followers of Jesus Call Themselves?
This is where it gets really interesting. If they didn't call themselves Christians, what did they call themselves? The New Testament gives us several answers:
1. Disciples
The most common term by far was "disciples." Jesus didn't say "go make Christians" - He said "go make disciples" (Matthew 28:19). There's a massive difference between these two concepts that we'll explore in a moment.
2. Followers of the Way
Before Christianity had a name, it was simply called "the Way." Acts 9:2 talks about Saul persecuting anyone "who belonged to the Way." This wasn't just a religious label - it was a lifestyle, a path, a complete transformation of how to live.
3. Saints
Paul addresses his letters to "the saints" in various cities. Not perfect people, but those set apart for God's purposes. Regular people living extraordinary lives because of Jesus.
4. Brothers and Sisters
The family language dominates the New Testament. They saw themselves as a spiritual family, bound together by something stronger than blood.
5. Servants of Christ Jesus
This was Paul's favorite way to introduce himself. Not "Paul the Christian," but "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus."
The Three Times "Christian" Actually Appears
Let's look at each instance where the word "Christian" shows up in Scripture:
Acts 11:26 - The First Mention
"The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch."
Notice the passive voice here? They were called Christians by others. It wasn't a name they chose for themselves. Most scholars believe it was actually a term of mockery - like calling them "Christ-followers" in a derogatory way, similar to how we might say someone is a "fanatic" today.
Acts 26:28 - A King's Sarcasm
"King Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'"
Again, the term comes from an outsider, and the context suggests sarcasm or dismissiveness. Agrippa isn't genuinely considering the faith - he's mocking Paul's passion.
1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering for the Name
"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."
Peter acknowledges that others will call believers "Christians," often as an accusation. He's saying if you're going to suffer for that label others put on you, at least glorify God through it.
The Profound Difference Between Christians and Disciples
Here's where this gets deeply practical for your life today. Jesus never commanded anyone to "go make Christians." His exact words were "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
What's a Christian?
In modern usage, a Christian can be:
A cultural identity
A box you check on a form
A political affiliation
A social club membership
A label you inherit from your family
What's a Disciple?
A disciple is something entirely different:
Someone actively learning from Jesus
A person whose life is being transformed
Someone who follows, not just believes
A person who makes other disciples
Someone whose identity is found in relationship, not religion
The early church understood this distinction. They didn't argue about denominational labels or fight over who was a "real Christian." They were too busy actually following Jesus, serving the poor, loving their enemies, and turning the Roman Empire upside down.
How Paul Identified Himself (Spoiler: Never as a "Christian")
Let's look at how the apostle Paul - who wrote most of the New Testament - introduced himself:
Romans 1:1
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle..."
Galatians 1:1
"Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ..."
Philippians 1:1
"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus..."
Titus 1:1
"Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ..."
Not once does Paul lead with "Paul, a Christian." His identity wasn't wrapped up in a label but in his relationship with Jesus and his purpose in God's kingdom.
What This Means for Your Faith Today
This isn't just interesting Bible trivia. This radically changes how we approach our faith in the 21st century.
1. Stop Defending the Label
How much energy do we waste defending the "Christian" label? Fighting culture wars, arguing on social media, trying to prove we're "real Christians" while others aren't? The early church didn't have time for this - they were too busy actually following Jesus.
2. Start Living the Reality
The world doesn't need more people who call themselves Christians. We have plenty of those. What the world desperately needs is more actual disciples - people whose lives look different because Jesus rearranged everything.
3. Focus on Relationship Over Religion
Every identity the early believers claimed was relational:
Disciples (students of Jesus)
Children of God (family relationship)
Servants (submitted to a master)
Friends of Jesus (intimate connection)
4. Make Disciples, Not Converts
Jesus didn't call us to get people to check a box or say a prayer. He called us to make disciples - people who follow, learn, grow, and then make other disciples.
The Early Church's World-Changing Power
Here's what's absolutely remarkable: Without ever calling themselves Christians, without church buildings, without political power, without social media, without any of the things we think we need today, the early church completely transformed the Roman Empire.
How?
They were disciples. Real, authentic, sold-out followers of Jesus who:
Shared everything they had
Loved people who hated them
Forgave those who persecuted them
Served the poor and marginalized
Lived with radical generosity
Demonstrated supernatural love
They didn't need to defend a label because their lives were the argument.
A Challenge for Today
So here's my challenge to you: What if you stopped introducing yourself as a Christian? What if instead, your life became so radically different that people asked, "What's different about you?"
What if your identity wasn't found in a religious label but in actively following Jesus every single day?
The truth is, the word "Christian" has become so watered down, so politicized, so cultural that it's almost meaningless in many contexts. But "disciple"? That still means something. That still demands everything.
Your Next Step
Don't just read this and move on. The early church changed the world because they acted on what they learned. Here's what you can do today:
Evaluate your identity - Are you hiding behind a label or actively following Jesus?
Choose discipleship - Commit to being a learner, a follower, not just a believer
Live differently - Let your life be so transformed that people ask questions
Make disciples - Don't just make converts; help others follow Jesus
Focus on relationship - Deepen your connection with Jesus beyond religious activities
The Prayer That Changes Everything
Let's end with this prayer:
Jesus, thank you that our identity isn't found in labels but in relationship with you. Help us be disciples first - people whose lives are so obviously different that others can't help but ask why. We don't want to just wear the Christian name tag. We want to live like we actually follow you. Make us servants like Paul. Beloved like John. Bold like Peter. Rearrange our lives around loving you and loving others well. Make us disciples who change the world, not just Christians who go to church. In your name, amen.
Final Thought
The early believers turned the world upside down without ever calling themselves Christians. They were too busy being disciples. Too busy serving. Too busy loving people who didn't deserve it.
Maybe it's time we stopped defending the title and started living the truth. Because at the end of the day, the world doesn't care what you call yourself. They care about how you live.
Are you wearing the label, or are you living the life?
The choice is yours.
And that choice changes everything.
An Invitation to go Deeper….
If today’s message spoke to you, join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge and strengthen your connection with God’s unshakable love. You are never alone—let’s grow together!
