I was asked, “does it matter if we call ourselves a Christian or a Disciple?
My response was “no” at first, because it meant the same thing.
But after some research I believe it does matter because they don’t mean the same thing. Let me explain why.
A name has a perception and meaning.
A name provides an identity, and an identity has power and purpose, therefore a name has power and purpose.
Let’s compare the meaning and perception of the names Christian and Disciple, to see if there is a difference.
Comparsion #1 – Who Called The Name
- Jesus called His followers Disciples. This name was a complement because of believers living out faith with action.
- They accept Jesus’ call to follow Him. (Matthew 4:19)
- Critics called Jesus followers Christians. The emphasis of this name was an insult because of believers being so fixated on Jesus and not acknowledging the emperor of Rome.
- The name Christian was given by non-believers to the disciples to identify who they were. (Acts 11:26)
- Take Away: Non-believers called the disciples Christians, because they were talking about “Christ”. They were talking about Christ because they were already a disciple – someone who is learning and living out their faith with action.
Comparison #2 – How Many Times Used
- The word disciple is used around 260 times in the New Testament mainly in the Gospels and once in the book of Acts.
- The word Christian is used 3 times in the New Testament: twice in the books of Acts and once in I Peter.
- Take Away: In relationship with Jesus, His followers were always referred to as disciples.
Comparison #3 – Meaning of Name
- The meaning of disciple is someone who follows, learns, and lives out the teachings of Christ.
- Jesus called the disciples to follow Him, to learn from Him, and live out the teachings of Him. (Matthew 4:19, Matthew 11:29, & John 13:35)
- The meaning of Christian is someone who believes in Jesus.
- 65% of people in the United States claim to be a Christian. They believe in Jesus. There are people today who call themselves Christian, they believe in Jesus, but they don’t follow Christ.
- Take Away: Just because you believe in Christ doesn’t mean that you learning and living out the teachings of Christ. (James 2:19)
Comparison #4 – Commitment Based On The Name
- The name disciple has a sense of accountability because you’re committing to learning and living out the teachings of Christ.
- A disciple is someone who has submitted to the authority of Christ.
- The name Christian doesn’t have a sense of accountability because you’re committing to the teaching of a religion or belief that Christ existed.
- They believe Christ existed, and even died, but they don’t submit to His authority.
- Take Away: A follower of Christ is one who submits to the authority of Christ by following him, learning from Him, and living for Him. (Matthew 7:21)