The document discusses when and how followers of Jesus were first called Christians. It describes how after Stephen's death, believers scattered from Jerusalem preaching the gospel not just to Jews but also Greeks in Antioch. Barnabas was sent to Antioch and saw evidence of God's grace, encouraging the believers. He found Saul and brought him to Antioch to teach believers for a year, and it was during this time that disciples in Antioch were first called Christians. The document also provides a definition of what it means to be a Christian according to the Bible.

2. First to be Called Christian
Acts 9:19–30

3. Overused words:
“Literally”
“Random”
“Like”
“Epic”
“Christian”

4. What is a Christian?
Do you meet the Bible’s definition?

5. What is a Christian?
Do you meet the Bible’s definition?
The church is composed of Jesus Christ and
his followers who have been given the gift
of the Holy Spirit and are committed to
Christ’s witness and mission.

6. Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit has come upon you; and
you shall be My witnesses both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and even to the remotest
part of the earth.

7. Acts 11
19 Now those who had been scattered by
the persecution in connection with Stephen
traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and
Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20
Some of them, however, men from Cyprus
and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to
speak to Greeks also, telling them the good
news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s
hand was with them, and a great number of
people believed and turned to the Lord.

8. Acts 11
22 News of this reached the ears of the
church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas
to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the
evidence of the grace of God, he was glad
and encouraged them all to remain true to
the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a
good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith,
and a great number of people were brought
to the Lord.

9. Acts 11
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to
look for Saul, 26 and when he found
him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a
whole year Barnabas and Saul met with
the church and taught great numbers of
people. The disciples were called
Christians first at Antioch.

10. Acts 11
27 During this time some prophets came
down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of
them, named Agabus, stood up and through
the Spirit predicted that a severe famine
would spread over the entire Roman world.
(This happened during the reign of
Claudius.) 29 The disciples, each according
to his ability, decided to provide help for the
brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did,
sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas
and Saul.

11. What is a “Christian”?
- Someone who has been born again of the Holy
Spirit by God’s gracious gift
- Someone who has placed saving faith in Jesus
alone for forgiveness of sin
- Someone who confesses Jesus is Lord
- Someone who witnesses the good news of Jesus
to others
- Someone who is godly and follows the teachings
of Christ
- Someone who is actively connected to a local
church
- Someone who uses their gifts to serve and
generously gives to the mission of the church