From Insult to Identity: How the Name “Christian” Became Our Banner

Introduction

The word Christian is now worn as a badge of honor, but it did not begin that way. In fact, it originated as an outsider’s label, even a term of mockery. Scripture and historical sources reveal that what began as ridicule became the global identity of believers in Jesus Christ. This study will trace the development of the term “Christian” from its first use in Antioch, through its use in Scripture, into the records of Roman historians, and finally into the heart of the church itself.

The First Mention: Antioch

The first time the word appears is in Acts 11:26:

“The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (New International Version, 2011, Acts 11:26).

Luke’s wording is significant: they were called. The disciples did not adopt this term for themselves. The citizens of Antioch, a diverse Roman city, needed a way to describe this growing group that was not fully Jewish and not pagan either. The suffix “-ianos” was commonly used in Roman culture to describe adherents or followers of a leader, such as “Herodianos” (Herod’s party). Thus, “Christianoi” meant those belonging to Christ (Marshall, 1980).

This was not a compliment. To Roman ears, following a crucified man as Messiah was absurd. To Jewish ears, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ was blasphemous. The word had a mocking edge.

The Name in the Mouth of Kings

The second biblical appearance of the word comes in Acts 26:28, where King Agrippa responds to Paul:

“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (New International Version, 2011, Acts 26:28).

Here, the term drips with sarcasm. Agrippa does not admire Paul’s faith; he dismisses it. Again, we see the word Christian being used by outsiders, not insiders.

The Church Embraces the Name

By the time Peter writes to scattered believers, the term has gained wider usage. He exhorts:

“If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (New International Version, 2011, 1 Pet. 4:16).

Here, Peter reverses the insult. What outsiders hurled in contempt, believers embraced as identity. To suffer “as a Christian” was not shameful, but honorable.

The Name in Roman History

Early Roman historians confirm the term’s outsider origins. Tacitus, writing about Nero’s persecution after the great fire of Rome in A.D. 64, notes that Nero falsely blamed “Christians” for the disaster, describing them as a “class hated for their abominations” (Tacitus, Annals 15.44, as cited in Grant, 1970). Suetonius also refers to Christians as a “class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition” (Claudius 25.4, as cited in Bruce, 1988).

Clearly, the name was not intended as a compliment in Roman society. Yet by this time, it had already spread widely enough to identify believers across the empire.

From Mockery to Mission

The trajectory of the word Christian mirrors the cross itself. The cross was once Rome’s symbol of shame and defeat, but God turned it into the greatest emblem of salvation and hope. Likewise, what began as a mocking nickname became the global identity of the people of God.

As Peter urged, Christians must not be ashamed of the name, but glorify God in bearing it. To be a Christian is to belong to Christ, to carry His name in a world that may still use it with mockery.

Conclusion

The evidence is clear: the name Christian was not born in the mouths of believers, but in the scorn of outsiders. It originated in Antioch, was used sarcastically by rulers, and appeared in Roman historical records as a label of contempt. Yet through God’s providence, what was meant as ridicule became our lasting identity. Today, when we are called Christians, may it be because Christ is truly seen in us.

References

Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek text with introduction and commentary (3rd ed.). Eerdmans.

Grant, M. (1970). Tacitus: The annals of imperial Rome. Penguin Classics.

Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts: An introduction and commentary (Vol. 5). Inter-Varsity Press.

New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com

Tacitus. (1970). The annals of imperial Rome (M. Grant, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published ca. A.D. 116)

Suetonius. (1988). The twelve Caesars (R. Graves, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published ca. A.D. 121)