25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul ; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch . And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers ; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch .
27 Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch . 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world . And this took place in the reign of Claudius . 29 And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means , each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea . 30 And this they did , sending it in charge e of Barnabas and Saul to the elders .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 11:25-30
Commentary on Acts 11:25-30
(Read Acts 11:25-30)
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian to whom it does not rightly belong. But the name without the reality will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Grant, Lord, that Christians may forget other names and distinctions, and love one another as the followers of Christ ought to do. True Christians will feel for their brethren under afflictions. Thus will fruit be brought forth to the praise and glory of God. If all mankind were true Christians, how cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth would be like one large family, every member of which would strive to be dutiful and kind.