Chapter 16 of Acts finds Paul and his new co-worker Silas meeting Timothy, who would also join with them in the work of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles (all who are not Jews). Both Timothy and his mother were disciples of Christ, we are told (vs. 1). The term ‘disciple’ means a learner, one who was taught or trained. These disciples were taught by -- and followed -- the religious teachers of the time. The Scriptures speak of the disciples of John the Immerser, Jesus, and the Pharisees. John pointed out Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes (will take) away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) and testified, “This is the Son of God” (John 1:32). After that as we see in John 1:36 and the following verses, some became disciples of Jesus.

By the time of the events of Acts 16, as we see from Acts 11:26, God had fulfilled the prophesy given in Isaiah 56:5 and 62:2, and given the new name for His people that He had promised. It was a name to be given by God Himself. It would be a new name. It would be given when God’s house for all people was established, not just a house for the Jews. As we see in 1 Timothy 3:15, the house Isaiah prophesied of is “the church of the living God.” It was to be given after the Gentiles had seen the righteousness of God and the Lord had added them to His church. That was done in Antioch of Syria, in the Lord’s church now composed of both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

It would be a name that God’s people had never been called by before. That new name was the name “Christian.” The word Christian means many different things to many people but we are only concerned with what God has said; with what the scriptures teach.

The word Christian means one who has learned of Christ, His way of salvation, and has followed Christ the Way. A Christian is a disciple of Christ, one who belongs to Christ, having learned of Him and the way of salvation Jesus taught. As we see from Romans 10:14, one cannot be a Christian who has not learned Who Christ is and His way of salvation. It is necessary to hear the gospel of Christ first in order to know what to believe and what Christ requires of us. Having learned of Christ and having come to believe in Him, Christ expects us to obey the gospel (vs. 16), which means to obey the commands He has given for our salvation. That is what makes a Christian. That is when one becomes a Christian.

Jesus taught, “If you do not believe that I am He (the Messiah), you will die in your sins” John 8:24). He said to the multitudes, “Unless you repent you will … perish” (Luke 13:5). The word perish in this context means not just to die, but to die and go to hell. He further said, “He that believes and is baptized (immersed) will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

That is what the Scriptures say. Don’t take my word for it. Read the scriptures I have given and see for yourself. If you believe what the Scriptures say, you will do what they say. My prayer is that you will.