Topic(s): Bible Authority, Bible Study, Salvation

Todd Clippard

A Christian is one who belongs to Christ, or one who follows Christ. A disciples is a learner and follower. Let's consider first of all that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26). This does not mean these were the first Christians, but were the first disciples to be called Christians. Therefore we must determine "who were the first disciples?"

I believe the apostles and the 120 mentioned in Acts 1 were the first disciples, thus the first Christians. They had been followers of Christ and had continued to believe following His resurrection and ascension. Immediately prior to His ascension, Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations." How was this to be accomplished? by "baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," and "teaching them to observe all things" whatsoever Jesus commanded them.

In Acts 2, Peter preached the first gospel sermon in the name of the resurrected Christ. In response to this preaching, the Jews asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter commanded them to "repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins." Those who gladly received that word were baptized, and there were added unto them that day about 3000 souls (Acts 2:41).

Consider for a moment the phrase "there were added unto them." Added unto whom? Certainly it must refer to those who were already disciples. Acts 2:47 says the Lord "added to the church daily those who were being saved." Again this word "added." I can't see any other possible group to be added to other than the apostles and the 120, and then to those who were added to them back in verse 41.

Therefore, the Bible teaches that those who continued in faith following Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and all the way through to the day of Pentecost were the first Christians.