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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτούς
him
G846
αὐτούς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἤγαγεν
he brought
G71
ἤγαγεν
he brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
4 of 28
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
αὐτούς
him
G846
αὐτούς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 28
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αὐτούς
him
G846
αὐτούς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 28
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅλον
that a whole
G3650
ὅλον
that a whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
12 of 28
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
συναχθῆναι
they assembled themselves
G4863
συναχθῆναι
they assembled themselves
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
13 of 28
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
16 of 28
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὄχλον
people
G3793
ὄχλον
people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
19 of 28
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἱκανόν
much
G2425
ἱκανόν
much
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
20 of 28
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
χρηματίσαι
were called
G5537
χρηματίσαι
were called
Strong's:
G5537
Word #:
21 of 28
to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.Acts 26:28Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.Acts 14:27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.Ephesians 3:15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,1 Corinthians 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Corinthians 14:23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?1 Corinthians 11:18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Historical Context
Antioch in Syria (not Antioch in Pisidia) became Christianity's first major Gentile center around AD 42-43. This cosmopolitan city provided ideal launching point for world mission. The disciples being 'called Christians' here first occurs in Gentile context.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the name 'Christian' signify about believers' primary identity and loyalty?
- How important is sustained teaching ministry for establishing strong churches?
Analysis & Commentary
The name 'Christians' (Greek 'Christianoi,' followers of Christ) first applied at Antioch captures believers' core identity in Christ. Whether a term of derision or neutral description, believers embraced it, accepting identification with their crucified Lord. This Gentile church's one-year teaching ministry under Barnabas and Saul established the pattern of sustained discipleship.