Connecting With Jesus

The Title “Christian”

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:16 NKJV)

The term “Christian” occurs just three times in Scripture, and it seems to have changed in its meaning from the first use to the last. For instance, “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). At this point, the name identified them as Christ’s followers without the criticism experienced later on.

The term was well-known several years later, even among the ruling class. After Paul witnessed to King Agrippa, the King told him, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

However, the literal translation of the verse gives a completely different perspective: “Are you trying in such a short time to make me a Christian?”

You can hear the air of disbelief and superiority in Agrippa’s voice as if to say, “It will take more than a short testimony to turn me into a Christian!”

As time passed, the Christian church became plagued with persecution. Today’s text shows that—at that point—even the “Christian” name was regarded with reproach and contempt.

So, Peter informs the church that we should “not be ashamed” by the “Christian” name or choosing to follow Christ. I do not doubt that he recalled the shame he felt after denying Christ was his friend.

However, Peter also recalled with thankfulness that even after being whipped by the Jewish council and “commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus” (Acts 5:40), he and the other apostles departed “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (v. 41).

Furthermore, we can “glorify God in this matter” or “in this name” by taking the Christian title.

To “glorify” implies more than just praising the name. We can glorify God in what we do—in how we live in that name.

We can certainly also bring dishonor to the title “Christian” by our actions. So, we have a solemn responsibility to bring honor and glory to God by our actions – witnessing through the way we live our lives.