Learning Christianity: History, Beliefs, Practices

Etymology of Christian and Christianity terms

The terms “Christian” and “Christianity” come from Greek usage connected to Jesus and his followers. Early Jewish Christians sometimes referred to themselves as “The Way,” but the specific label “Christian” is attested in Acts 11:26, where it is said to mean “followers of Christ” and to have first been used in Antioch for Jesus’ disciples by non-Jewish inhabitants. The name “Christian” is derived from Greek Χρῑστῐᾱνός (Khrīstiānós), while “Christianity/Christianism” appears later as Χρῑστῐᾱνισμός (Khrīstiānismós). The earliest recorded use of “Christianity/Christianism” is attributed to Ignatius of Antioch around 100 CE. The underlying name “Jesus” itself comes from Ancient Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), likely ultimately from Hebrew/Aramaic יֵשׁוּעַ (Yēšūaʿ).

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Origins in 1st-century Judaea

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