Earning the Title

May 28

(Acts 11:26b NIV) “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

(Acts 26:28 NIV) ““Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?””

(1 Peter 4:16 NIV) “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

As the news about Jesus spread, more and more Gentiles came to faith. In Antioch, Jesus changed some new believers in such a profound way that their faith became legendary. They impressed folks around them so much that they earned a radical new title. People began to call them Christians. They were so different, so much like Jesus, that they were labeled with His name. A new brand name was born in Antioch. At first, the label was derogatory. It was a slur. Antagonists and persecutors used the name to stereotype and ridicule the church. They were seen as a very weird bunch and looked down upon by the intellectuals of their day. The label stuck, and over time it became something of which to be proud. The name that began as a slur became a badge of honor. It became a title to strive for -- a title earned by wholeheartedly living for Jesus. Go for the title! Live for Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day