First Answer:
As they were the first to accept Christ.
Additional Information:
The word 'disciple' means a taught one, a learner, a pupil.
The disciples were those 'taught by Jesus', so became 'footstep followers of Christ' or 'Christians'.
Most were fishermen in their local areas.
"And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts.11.26)
The first mention is in Acts 11:26 - "...The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch".
The first time 'Christian' was used in the bible is Acts 26:28 when Paul is speaking with King Agripa and Agripa says "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" Then in Peter 4:16 Peter refers to 'Suffering as a Christian' But.. in Acts 11:26 it says that Christians where first called so in Antioch: "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. " *I felt the need to expound on my previous answer* email me @ red_letter_man@yahoo.com
They were first called disciples. Later they were called apostles.
In Acts 11:26, The disciples were called Christians first by the people at Antioch. This was possibly around 43 AD. (It was meant as a put-down).
According to Acts 11:26 the name Christian was first used at Antioch. Before this time they were called believers or disciples, the Apostles of course having a special office of leadership.
Followers of Jesus during and immediately after his ascension were known as 'People of the Way'And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem [Acts 9:2].The disciples were called Christians first atAntioch[Acts 11:26]
Acts 11:26New King James Version (NKJV) 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 11:26New King James Version (NKJV) 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
disciples there were 12 In addition to the original 12 Disciples identified in the Gospels, all people through the centuries who have believed in Jesus or who believe now are called Christians. These followers of Jesus can also be called "the Church," "disciples," and "believers." The original 12 are also known as the Twelve Apostles or simply as "the Twelve."
Christian means "Christ-like." That is the origin of it. The early Christians were noted by their neighbors to be like Christ, so they called them Christians. The Bible states that they were first called Christians in Antioch. 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.
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.