The word Christian(s) appears three times in scripture: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and I Peter 4:16. I am really struggling to find a biblical definition of the word Christian. Webster's 1828 definitions are not clear and in some cases appear unscriptural. I would appreciate any light you might shed on this matter, please.
I too saw, like you, that although the word "Christian" is a bible word, trying to come up with a specific definition of it from the verses is not as easy as I thought it would be. But from these verses I did come to a biblical definition that sufficed me.
From my study, the biblical definition of the word "Christian" is "one who believes on/in the Lord Jesus Christ." Here's why....
As you notice, the word does appear three times in scripture...twice in Acts and once in 1 Peter. And because it is mentioned in the scriptures three times (out of the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses let every word be established), it is a word that God Himself bears witness to, so it is OK for us to use it.
Now the question comes up...why is it not mentioned anywhere in our Apostle Paul's 13 epistles? In my study, I find a precious truth about that, that I will share at the end of this study.
First let's look at and analyze the three uses of this word.
Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called christians first in Antioch.
You see in this verse that the word "disciple" is also used by the bible as a description of these believers. The bible definition of disciple is "one who believes on/in another."
John 2:11
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Acts 18:27
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Acts 19:9
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples (those that did believe), disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
So we see that a disciple is one who believes in someone else. And in this case, the disciples of Christ are those that believe on/in Him. It is these that were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called christians first in Antioch.
So we see that the first reference to the word Christian has to do with those who believed on/in Him in scripture.
So let's see the second reference...
Acts 26: 27-29
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Here, in the second reference, we see again the association with belief and Christian!!! Here as our Apostle speaking in his own defense, encourages King Agrippa to believe the truth that he knew was real about our Lord's Word to Israel! It is right after this that the king says that Paul almost persuades him to be a Christian (i.e., one who believes on the Lord Jesus based on what the scripture testifies). So in my mind, again, the bible definition of Christian is associated with "one who believes on/in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Now to the last reference....
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
In this last reference, the context of the book and who Peter is speaking to is the key to the definition as well. Peter uses the word "believe" as well when referring to these members of the little flock.
1 Peter 1:8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1 Peter 1:20-21
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
1 Peter 2:7
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
So we see that Peter is writing to those "that believe" on/in Christ, and it is these people that he calls Christians!
So in my study of this word and the context of the three occurrences in scripture, I see a consistent association with “those that believe in/on Christ" as the biblical definition of the word Christian.
Hopefully this helps...Maranatha!
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