They call us Christians

English Standard Version Chapter 11

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

English Standard Version Chapter 12

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

13 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Why did they call them Christians?

(v. 21) Christians Believe on the Lord, not just in the Lord.

Acts 11:21 ESV

And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

a. The believed and turned

Acts 26:22–28 ESV

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

NASB: Agrippa replied to Pual, “in a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.

NIV: Then Agrippa said to Paul, Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to become a Christian?

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I am saying nothing butbeyond what the prophets and Moses said wouldcome to pass:happen—49% difference 22 To this day I have had thehelpthat comesfrom God, and so I stand here,testifying to bothtosmall and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said wouldcome to passtake place:15% difference 22 To this day I have had theHaving therefore obtained helpthat comes fromofGod, and soIstand here testifyingcontinue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, sayingnothing but whatnone other things than those whichthe prophets and Moses said woulddid say shouldcometo pass:55% difference 22 To this day I have had theTherefore, having obtained helpthat comesfrom God, and soto this day I standhere testifying, witnessing both to small and great, sayingnothing but whatno other things than those whichthe prophets and Moses said would cometo pass:—47% difference 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”0% difference 23 that the Christmustwas to suffer,and that ,by being the first to risereason of His resurrection from the dead , heHewould be the first to proclaim light both to ourthe Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”36% difference 23 that the Christ mustMessiah would suffer andthat, by beingas the first to rise from the dead, hewould proclaimbring the message of light bothto ourhis own people and to the Gentiles.”29% difference 23 that the ChristMessiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”5% difference 23 that theThatChrist mustshouldsuffer, and that , by beinghe should be the first tothat should rise from the dead, he would proclaimand should shewlight both to ourunto the people,and to the Gentiles.”.46% difference 23 that the Christmustwouldsufferand, that , by beingHe would be the first to rise from the dead, heand would proclaim lightbothto ourthe Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”26% difference 24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”0% difference 24 And as heWhile Paul was sayingthese thingsthis in his defense, Festus said withina loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your! Your great learning is driving you out of your mindmad.”26% difference 24 And as he was saying these things in hisAt this point Festus interrupted Paul’sdefense, Festus said with a loud voice,. “Paul, youYou are out of your mind; your, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you out of your mindinsane.”62% difference 24 And asWhile he was saying these things in hismaking thisdefense, Festussaid with a loud voiceexclaimed, “Paul, youYou are out of your mind; your great, Paul! Too muchlearning is driving you out of your mind.”insane!”52% difference 24 And as he was saying these things in his defensethus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul,you are out of your mindthou art beside thyself;your greatmuchlearning is driving you out of your mind.”doth make thee mad.56% difference 24 AndNow as hewas saying these things inthus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your greatbeside yourself! Muchlearning is driving you out of your mind.”mad!”39% difference 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.0% difference 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rationalutter words of sober truth.18% difference 25 But Paul said,“I am not out of my mindinsane, most excellent Festus, but,” Paul replied. “What I amspeakingsaying istrue and rational wordsreasonable.47% difference 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speakingtrue and rational wordsthe sober truth.14% difference 25 But Paulhesaid, “I am not out of my mindmad, most excellentnoble Festus,; butI am speaking truespeak forth the words of truthand rational wordssoberness.51% difference 25 But Paulhesaid, “I am not out of my mindmad, most excellentnoble Festus, but I am speaking truespeak the words of truth andrational wordsreason.43% difference 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.0% difference 26 “For the king knows about these thingsmatters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I speak boldly. For Iam persuaded that none of these things has escapedescapehis notice,; for this has not been done in a corner.25% difference 26 For theTheking knows aboutis familiar withthese things, and I can speak freelyto himI speak boldly. ForI ampersuadedconvinced that none of these thingsthis has escaped his notice, for this hasbecause it was notbeendone in a corner.37% difference 26 ForIndeed the king knows about these things, and to him I speakboldly. Forfreely; for I ampersuadedcertainthat none of these things has escaped his notice, for this haswas not beendone in a corner.17% difference 26 For the kingknows aboutknoweth of these things, and to himbefore whom alsoI speak boldly. Forfreely: for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice,are hidden from him; for thishasthing was notbeendone in a corner.38% difference 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely,knows aboutthese things, and to him; for I speak boldly. For Iampersuadedconvinced that none of these things has escapedescapeshis noticeattention, forsincethis hasthing wasnot beendone in a corner.43% difference 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”0% difference 27 “King Agrippa, do you believe theprophetsProphets? I know that you believedo.”16% difference 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I knowthatyou believedo.”10% difference 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”0% difference 27 King Agrippa,do you believebelievest thou the prophets? I know that you believe.”thou believest.38% difference 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you dobelieve.”3% difference 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”0% difference 28 AndAgrippasaidreplied to Paul, “In a short time wouldyouwill persuade me to bebecome a Christian?”.”23% difference 28 AndThenAgrippa said to Paul, “InDo you think that in sucha short timewouldyou canpersuade me to be a Christian?”24% difference 28 AndAgrippa said to Paul, “In a short time wouldAre you persuadeso quickly persuading me tobebecome a Christian?”35% difference 28 AndThenAgrippa said tounto Paul, “In a short time would you persuadeAlmost thou persuadest me to be a Christian?”.49% difference

NRSV: Agrippa said to Paul, Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?

KJV: The Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. These things have not been done in a corner: the thing he’s talking about is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He showed himself alive with many infallible proofs.

A Christian is somebody who believe in Jesus - His death and resurrection- and turns to the Lord—believes ON the Lord Jesus Christ. Puts trust in, gives life too, turns from sin and towards Jesus.

Now, Agrippa did not become a Christian. He was almost persuaded, but he was not altogether persuaded. Now he, first of all, was convinced about Christ. Paul said to Agrippa—he said, “I know that you believe. I know that you believe the prophets. I know that you’re convinced that this is true.” () And you, my friend, can be convinced and still not be a Christian. There are a lot of people who believe the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who are not Christians.

Vs 23 : Share the gospel

And, was King Agrippa saved? No, not yet. Though he was convinced about Christ, he had to be convicted by Christ. And, he was also convicted, it’s very clear in this passage of Scripture if you read in verse 27: “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me.” () That is, there was a deep conviction in his heart. His pulse began to quicken. His heart began to pound. His palms became moisten. Here is the greatest soul winner that ever lived facing that king, and that king is so close to being saved.

He was convinced. He was convicted, but he was not converted. It was so hard for this king to give up, and his pride in his heart brought up a barrier

I wonder if there are some who are listening to me this morning who are very much like King Agrippa. You’ve heard the gospel. You’ve heard of the voluntary, vicarious, victorious death of Jesus Christ for your sins. You have been convicted of your sin. You know the Bible is true. You’re so very close to being saved, but you’re going to spend eternity in hell because you’re almost persuaded. Are you a Christian? If you are, you have been converted to Christ. Are you converted? I didn’t ask you if you were a Baptist. I didn’t ask if you were a member of Elmcrest Baptist Church. I didn’t ask if you come from a Christian family, if you’re a member of a Bible-believing church. Have you been truly converted?

English Standard Version Chapter 2

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

I know you believe in Jesus, but has there been a time in your life that you turned your life over to Him and believed ON the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

2. Christians suffer. ,

Acts 11:19 ESV

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

Acts 11:19 ESV

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

Acts 11:26 ESV

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

It was persecution that drove these believers to Antioch and in Antioch, the name given Christians, was done in a derisive sort of way.

1 Peter 4:16 ESV

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

2 Timothy 3:12 ESV

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

There’s no cheap way. There’s no easy way. There’s no lazy way that you can serve God and be a follower of Jesus Christ and not suffer for Christ.

Not all suffering is Christian Suffering.

Common Suffering- Illness, problems with a spouse or a child, lost a job- none of those things are necessarily due to suffering as a Christian. They are probably just problems because you are a human. If you were born, you have troubles. I have authritus, I am suffering for Jesus. No.

Carnal Suffering-

1 Peter 4:15 ESV

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

Suffering because of consequence of your sinful actions. You can’t drive 100 miles an hour, run through 3 red lights, 2 stop signs, a busy crosswalk, and then through a police baracade and find yourself sitting in a jail cell and say, look at me, I am suffering for Jesus.

Christian Suffering- If you are a Christian, and you are committed to Christ, you will suffer. You might say, thats not a great way to build a church to preach like that. But its true. Let me ask you which is better: a church with only 3 or 4 people who suffer for Christ or a building full of people who wave their ticket to heaven around with pride and then all week long live like the rest of the world?

3. Christians Worship

Acts 13:2 ESV

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

a. Worshipped

b. Fasted

c. In tune with Holy Spirit speaking to them.

d. Listened to teaching, preaching (13.1), and prophecy (11.27)

e. (11.29)Gave sacrificially, church has enough to make ends meet and do the ministry AND they were able to give aid to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem.

4. Christians Live the Mission.

Acts 11:23 ESV

When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

a. How do you see the grace of God?

In the life of a person. You see it lived. People know we are Christians because of the way we live. We display the grace of God.

• A friend of mine told me of one of his members out in California—a pastor. This man was a businessman who did everything just right. He was very punctual, always on time—a very organized businessman. Upon a time, when he got up to go to work, however, his car would not start. The battery was dead. He had to use his wife’s car. It made him late. He’s caught in the traffic, and he’s in a traffic jam. He can’t get to work. He’s very irritated. The car in front of him is not moving. The car behind him has pulled up to the bumpers. It’s bumper to bumper. He can’t turn right; he can’t turn left. He’s sitting there looking at his watch, very irritated he’s going to be late for work. And, the man behind him blows the horn. Well, that really infuriated him, but he sat there and tried to get it together again. After a few more minutes, the man tapped the horn again. There’s no way that he could move. Then, the third time the man blew the horn, it so infuriated this Christian businessman that he jumped out of the car and in a fit of rage went over and tapped on the window. The man rolled down the window, and he said, “Can’t you see I can’t move? Can’t you see there’s no way for me to move in this traffic? You sit back here and blow your horn at me?” He said, “If you do that one more time,” he said, “I’m going to drag you out of this car and spread your brains all over this pavement.” Now, this was a believer. “If you do that one more time …” The guy just lost it. The fellow in the car behind him said, “Mister, what is wrong with you?” He said, “What do you mean ‘what’s wrong with me’? What’s wrong with you?” He said, “Look at your bumper sticker. Doesn’t it mean what it says—‘honk if you love Jesus’?” And, the man didn’t know that his wife had that bumper sticker. He said, “Oh, mister, forgive me.” He said, “I do love Jesus. Forgive me.”•

b. How did the live the Grace of God—faithful to the Lord and lived with purpose. The mission.

1.Be His Witnesses

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

They came preaching the Lord Jesus to the Hellenists.

2. Make disciples.

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Make disciples.

Thats exactly what they did:

Matthew 26:18 ESV

He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’ ”

Acts 11.26

Acts 11:26 ESV

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Taught a great many people, now they are called disciples, and those disciples are called Christians.

3. They reach the world:

Acts 13:3 ESV

Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

So now the question is this: Are you a Christian?

Is your faith ON Jesus, is he the Lord of your life?

Do you ever suffer as a Christian?

Does your life overflow with worship of your savior?

Are you His witness? Does your life contribute to leading someone to salvation and to become a disciple of Jesus? Are you part of something that reaches the world for Jesus?

I’m not saying that you get saved because you suffer; I’m saying you suffer because you’re saved. I’m not saying you can buy your salvation with anything that you do. Salvation is the gift of God. But, once you receive the Lord Jesus Christ, you are radically, dramatically, eternally changed. And, so many of us don’t want to suffer. We just think that somehow we can call ourselves Christians and live carnal, ungodly, lascivious lives.