Etymology of the Word ‘CHRISTIAN’

The word “Christian” derives from the Greek word Χριστιανός (Christianos). The word Χριστιανός (Christianos) is the Koine Greek form of the word “Mashiach ” in Hebrew and means “Anointed One” . With the suffix “-ianós”, it indicates that a person or a group or any unity of more than two belongs to a person (leader). In this context, the word “Christian” means “one who is devoted to Christ.”

Where and When Was It First Used?

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So Barnabas and Saul spent a year with the church there, teaching a large crowd. In Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians. ' * -ACTS 11:25-26 (New Testament -Bible-)

The word “Messianists” in this verse, namely “Χριστιανός (Christianos)” was first used in Antakya (i.e. in the Hatay region of today’s Turkey). Antakya was under the rule of the Roman Empire at that time and was a multicultural settlement center where Jews and non-Jews lived together, traded and did many jobs. The word “Messianists (Christians)”, an address attributed to Messianic believers who were just starting to be recognized among different communities, took its place on the stage of history with the first communities of believers.

The Popularization of the Word Christian

The word 'Christian' appears three times in the Bible.

-Acts 11:25-26 - First used in Antioch.

-Acts 26:28 - King Agrippa said to Paul, "Will you persuade me to become a Christian in such a short time?"

- 1 Peter 5:16 - 'But whoever suffers in Christ should not be ashamed, but let him glorify God through the name he bears.'

As can be understood from these verses, although the word 'Christian' initially emerged as a definition (adjective), it was eventually adopted by believers and became a term in the Roman Empire.

During the period ( it is worth mentioning that) towards the end of the 1st century, the word 'Christian' became widespread and later on, the Roman authorities

It was also adopted by Roman sources, including those used in state administration or public authority.

Early Perception of the Word 'Christian'

The first uses of the word 'Christian' have an accusatory or mocking tone, as seen in Tacitus' 'Annales', but it is worth remembering that in the Greco-Roman world, new movements were often viewed with suspicion by the mainstream of society. Tacitus (56-120)

He was a Roman orator, lawyer, senator and historian who lived during the Roman period. Tacitus's 'Annales' (Annals) states in his work covering the years 14-68 AD that Emperor Nero accused Christians and used this name as a derogatory term *(Tacitus 'Annales', 15.44).

The word 'Christian' was historically born in Antioch, but over time it

It has reached all corners of the world and has been adopted by believers. Although it was initially an adjective outside of society, the early church adopted this name and accepted it as a faith identity. In today's world, the word 'Christian' is not just an adjective, it has formed the faith identity of billions of people.

SOURCE:

BIBLE:

*Acts 11:25-26

*Acts 26:28

*1 Peter 4:16

Linguistic Resources:

* Strong's Concordance (G5546) – Origin of the word Χριστιανός

*Thayer's Greek Lexicon

Historical Sources:

*Eusebius, Church History – The development of early Christianity

*Tacitus, Annales – Perception of Christianity in the Roman period (15 '44')

*Suetonius Claudius - Early Roman commentary on Jesus and his followers