Why were the disciples of Jesus called Christians first in Antioch?

Question

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." Just wondering why they were not first called Christians on the Day of Pentecost. Thank you!

Answer 1

They were not.  That is another poor translation.  They likely were called Messianists.  Followers of the Messiah.  If they were called 'Christians', they didn't accept the title, for none of them claimed it when they were questioned.

Answer 2

It was indeed at Antioch that followers of Jesus' teachings were first called Christians. During the First Century, Followers were often thought of a a sect of Judaism. Knowing that "Christ" in the Greek means "anointed One", they could have just as easily been called Messiahists, following Messiah.    

Answer 3

I believe it was explained to me this way.

The term "Christians" meant "little Christs". It was meant as derogatory terminology for the followers of Christ. However, the His early followers liked being so called and from that day forth the term Christian stuck.

And, of course, you are welcome!

Answer 4

it seems it was their opponents who called them that, but the name stuck.. that is why it says "first"

before that they were called followers of the way. or other names that didn't stick

I'm sure you know, but maybe others don't, that it means to be Christlike... it was like calling the "Jesus freaks" but not quite as negative

EDIT - as per the gentlemen above... Christ is the Greek for Messiah (Hebrew) - they mean the same thing.