Christian
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Christian in the Bible?
The designation 'Christian' emerged in Antioch as an external label applied by non-believers, carrying an initially pejorative tone rather than serving as an internal self-identification. The earliest evidence of its adoption as a self-designation appears in the Didache and the writings of the early Apologists.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that 'Christian' was originally an outsider's term helps readers distinguish between the self-understanding of New Testament authors and the sociological categories imposed by Roman society, thereby clarifying the social tensions and identity formation within the early church.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Christian in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Christian clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.