What kinds of people were called Christians?
The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26
A. Disciples were called brothers.
1. In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Acts 6:1-2
2. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:3-4
3. Some time later Paul said to Barnabas: Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Acts 15:36
B. Disciples were referred to as the church. Acts 14:26-28
1. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they
had now completed.
2. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27
3. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples. Acts 14:28
C. Starting from the Book of Romans disciples were referred to as the saints!
1. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints… Romans 1:7
2. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may
be acceptable to the saints there. Ro.15:31
3. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Eph.1:1
4. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi,... Phil.1:1
5. Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Jude 1:3
D. Disciples were referred to as the holy and faithful brothers in Christ. Col.1:2
1. To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God. Col.1:2
2. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—
the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints, to whom
God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory: Col.1:25-27
3. To whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present
every man perfect in Christ. Col.1:28
4. Remember Jesus said: Be ye perfect as the Father in Heaven is perfect? Matt.5:48
E. Disciples are members of God’s household, children of God, citizen of God’s kingdom.
1. So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved
generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Phil.2:15
2. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members
of God's household, Eph.1:1 and 2:19
3. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Eph.4:11-12
F. The important works of a disciple! Acts 9:10-18
1. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias.
The Lord called to him in a vision: Ananias! He answered: Yes, Lord. Acts 9:10
2. The Lord told him: Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. Acts 9:11
3. Ananias replied: Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name. 9:13-14
4. But the Lord said to Ananias: Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. Acts 9:15
5. Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord-- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-- has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18 May the Lord bless us and keep us always! Preach this December 6, 2015
Part 1