Learning Christianity: Origins, Beliefs, Practices

Etymology of Christianity and Christian

The term “Christian” is etymologically linked to the Greek word Χρῑστῐᾱνός (Khrīstiānós), meaning “followers of Christ.” According to Acts 11:26, this label was first used in Antioch by the non-Jewish inhabitants there, referring to Jesus’ disciples. The name “Jesus” itself comes from Ancient Greek (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous), which is likely derived from Hebrew/Aramaic (יֵשׁוּעַ, Yēšūaʿ). Early Christians also used other self-references, such as “The Way” (tês hodoû), a phrase found in Acts 19 and understood by some as connected to Isaiah 40:3 (“prepare the way of the Lord”). The earliest recorded use of “Christianity/Christianism” (Χρῑστῐᾱνισμός, Khrīstiānismós) is attributed to Ignatius of Antioch around 100 CE.

0/2 modes complete

History of Christianity overview

0/2 modes complete