CHRISTIAN (kris'chan), (Gr. Xptarlavas, khris lee-an-os' , follower of Christ).
The disciples of our Lord Jesus were thus first denominated at Antioch, shortly after the time of Paul's conversion, Acts xi :26. This name was given them either by divine direction, or was a term of contempt applied by their enemies. They were known to each other as brethren of one family, as disciples of the same Master, as be lievers in the same faith, and as distinguished by the same endeavors after holiness and consecra tion of life; and so were called brethren (Acts xv :1, 23; I Cor. vii :12), disciples (Acts ix :26, xi:29), believers (Acts v :14), saints (Rom. viii: 27; xv :25). It would seem that the name "Chris tian," which, in the only other cases where it ap pears in the New Testament (Acts xxvi :28 ; 1 Pet. iv :16: Comp. Tac. Ann. xv :44), is used con temptuously, could not have been applied by the early disciples to themselves, nor could it have come to them from their own nation the Jews; it appears, therefore, to have been imposed upon them by the Gentile world, and no place could have so appropriately given rise to it as Antioch, where the first Church was planted among the heathen. "Its inhabitants were celebrated for
their wit and a propensity for conferring nick names (Procop. Pers. ii :8, p. Los). The Emperor Julian himself was not secure from their jests (Amm. Marc. xxii Apollonius of Tyana was driven from the city by the insults of the inhabi tants (Philostr. vit. Apoll. iii :16). Their wit, however, was often harmless enough (Lucian, De Salt at. 76), and there is no reason to suppose that the name "Christian" of itself was intended as a term of scurrility or abuse, though it would nat urally be used with contempt." (Smith, Bib. Diet.).
The saints are justly denominated Christians, because they belong to, obey, and imitate Jesus Christ ; and are anointed with the same Spirit of God. To constitute one a true adult Christian, he must be united to Christ as his head; have Christ and his Spirit dwelling in his heart ; have Christ's grace implanted in all the faculties of his soul ; and must believe, profess, and practice Christ's truths, in conformity to his example and commands.