July 7: Called Christians

My apologies that I have been sporadic with the devotional the past week. I have been away at school, and now I'm in the office for four days before going off on vacation for two weeks - which is to say I'm trying to check off a lot of to-do lists. I will try to still have a devotional entry or two over the next couple weeks but will not probably resume the normal 2 entries a week until end of July. So without any more excuses, our thoughts for the day! :)

“So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’” (Acts 11:26)

First of all this verse is one of those bible trivia verses. It’s a popular question to ask, “Where were the disciples first called Christians?” So remember Antioch – if you plan to play some rousing games of bible trivia!

And while that really was the reason I chose this particular verse what is intriguing to me now is that while the new testament prefers language of disciples, apostles, followers of the way, and other similar language to talk about those who believe in Jesus Christ it is the word Christians that we latch onto to describe those whose faith is in Jesus Christ.

So there is something significant about this word and identity for us.

And as I reflect on that in light of this verse I wonder, just how significant it is that the word Christian is used for this particular community? What we know about them is that they are a mix of Jews and gentiles; they are interested in learning and taking seriously their faith as they spend an entire year being taught by Paul and Barnabas, and they were both communal and missional in outlook. They, “determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea.” (Acts 11:29)

We never quite get an insider look into the life the Jerusalem church, but here in Antioch we see the forming of a church for the first time in the New Testament. Diverse community gathered together; faith that seeks understanding; and the movement beyond their walls to serve their neighbors.

Fellowship and education, stewardship and outreach.

Add in the preaching of the Apostles and the praising of God in the community and we have worship – we have a church!

Do you gather in diversity, and commit to long term learning about faith?
Are you giving according to your ability?
Are you called Christian, at home, work, and play?

Naming God,
You have given us many names. You have called us each individual by name in baptism but you have also called us: child, disciple, friend, apostle and Christian! Help us God to live into the reality you have named for us.
Amen.