King James Bible Dictionary

The name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).

Believers called
Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16
Righteous

The disciples, we are told, (Acts 11:26) were first called Christians at Antioch on the Orontes, somewhere about A.D. 43. They were known to each other as, and were among themselves called, brethren, (Acts 15:1,23; 1 Corinthians 7:12) disciples , (Acts 9:26; 11:29) believers , (Acts 5:14) saints , (Romans 8:27; 15:25) The name "Christian," which, in the only other cases where it appears in the New Testament, (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) is used contemptuously, could not have been applied by the early disciples to themselves, but was imposed upon them by the Gentile world. There is no reason to suppose that the name "Christian" of itself was intended as a term of scurrility or abuse, though it would naturally be used with contempt.

CHRISTIAN, noun

1. A believer in the religion of Christ.

2. A professor of his belief in the religion of Christ.

3. A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

4. In a general sense, the word Christians includes all who are born in a christian country or of christian parents.

CHRISTIAN, adjective [See the Noun.]

1. Pertaining to Christ, taught by him, or received from him; as the christian religion; christian doctrines.

2. Professing the religion of Christ; as a christian friend.

3. Belonging to the religion of Christ; relating to Christ, or to his doctrines, precepts and example; as christian profession and practice.

4. Pertaining to the church; ecclesiastical; as courts christian

CHRISTIAN, verb transitive To baptize.

CHRISTIANISM, noun

1. The Christian religion.

2. The nations professing Christianity.

CHRISTIANITE, noun A newly discovered Vesuvian mineral; its primitive form is that of an oblique rectangular prism; its colors brown, yellow or reddish.

CHRISTIANLIKE, adjective Becoming a Christian.

CHRISTIANLY, adverb In a Christian manner; in a manner becoming the principles of the Christian religion, or the profession of that religion.

CHRISTIAN-NAME, noun The name given in baptism, as distinct from the gentilitious or surname.

CHRISTIANOGRAPHY, noun A description of Christian nations.