Page 32 - September 2023 - Truth & Tidings

“ nd in Antioch the disciples were first had been presenting the gospel, telling him
called Christians” (Act 11:26 ESV). that he needed to “repent” from his sin “and
A It might be surprising to learn that turn to God” (v20). Being a true Christian
although the term “Christian” is probably the is something that we all desperately need
st
most common word in the 21 century used to be. In our sin we are deserving of God’s
to describe those who believe on the Lord judgment. But, as Paul told Agrippa, “Christ
Jesus (or claim to), the word only appears must suffer and … rise from the dead,” and
three times in the Bible, the first of which is because of that He now can save all people,
in the above verse. everywhere, without exception (v23).
In Acts 11, it seems that the name was Perhaps Agrippa couldn’t believe that Paul
not adopted by the believers themselves; was so bold to proclaim this gospel to him.
instead, it was given by others. It may have Or perhaps there was a note in his voice
been a form of derision, or it may have been that he knew exactly of what Paul was try-
simple acknowledgment of their character. ing to convince him, but he was not going
Either way, as the gospel message was to believe. Either way, we never read that
being proclaimed (salvation in the person Agrippa, despite knowing all about it, ever
and work of the Lord Jesus Christ), “a great was fully persuaded to become a Christian.
number believed, and turned unto the Lord”
(v21 KJV), and later many more were “added We learn two things from what Agrippa
unto the Lord” (v24). Here was a large group said. Firstly, a Christian is something some-
st
of people in this city of Antioch who had one becomes. In the 21 century, the word
trusted Christ – and they stood out! “Christian” unfortunately is used by many to
describe themselves, their country or their
Once this group of people were just like
their neighbors and friends, but something religion. But you can’t be born one, you can’t
had happened. They were different now. You be baptized one, and you can’t be confirmed
see, Christians are changed people – those as one either. A Christian is something that
saved from their sins and living for Christ. someone is made by God.
Many transformations had taken place. Secondly, we need to be more than per-
People were trusting Christ and their lives suaded. Becoming a Christian is a deliber-
were being changed, and those around them ate, definite choice that someone makes to
knew that these were Christ’s people – they repent of their sin and put their faith in the
were Christians. Have you ever felt your need Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done in His
for this change? death and resurrection. At that moment, God
“In such a short time are you persuading saves them and makes them a new creation
me to become a Christian?” (Act 26:28 NET). in Christ (2Co 5:17). They are now a Christian.
Here are the words of King Agrippa to So, the question that you need to answer
Paul years after the events of Acts 11. Paul is this: Are you a Christian?