Here’s something most people don’t realize — the word “Christian” only appears three times in the entire Bible. That’s it. Just three verses.

The first time is in Acts 11:26:

“The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

The believers didn’t come up with the name. It started with the people watching them. The city of Antioch was full of different cultures and religions, but these followers of Jesus stood out. They spoke, acted, and lived differently. Their love, unity, and humility looked so much like Jesus that people began calling them “Christians,” which means “little Christs.” It wasn’t a title of pride — it was a recognition. Their lives reflected the One they followed.

The second time appears in Acts 26:28:

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’”

Paul was on trial, explaining his faith to King Agrippa. Even as a prisoner, he spoke with peace and conviction. Agrippa could tell Paul truly believed what he preached. That verse shows how early Christians weren’t known by wealth, power, or numbers — they were known for their boldness and sincerity. Paul didn’t use the name “Christian” as a label. He lived it.

The third and final mention is in 1 Peter 4:16:

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

By this time, following Jesus came with a cost. Believers were facing persecution, rejection, and loss. Peter reminded them that the name “Christian” was worth suffering for. To bear that name meant sharing in Christ’s sufferings and representing Him faithfully.

That’s it — three verses. Yet each one teaches something different about what it means to belong to Christ.

From Antioch, we learn that being a Christian isn’t about what we call ourselves — it’s about how we live.

From Paul, we learn that following Jesus means standing firm in truth, even when it’s unpopular.

And from Peter, we learn that being identified with Christ is an honor, not a burden.

Today, “Christian” can mean a lot of things depending on who you ask. But in Scripture, it was never about a label or a religion. It was a visible reflection of Jesus — love, grace, and truth shown through real people.

So maybe the question isn’t how often the word appears, but how clearly we live it out.

Would anyone recognize Jesus in your life the way people did in Antioch?

That’s what it really means to be a Christian.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, You are worthy of all praise. You are loving, faithful, and powerful, and I want my life to honor You.

Confession: Forgive me for the times I’ve carried Your name but not Your character. Help me live with humility and truth.

Thanksgiving: Thank you for calling me Yours and giving me the privilege of being known by Your name.

Supplication: Teach me to live like You — to love boldly, serve humbly, and reflect Jesus wherever I go.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Brother” by NEEDTOBREATH Ft. Gavin Degraw

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Zach and the Daily Devotion team