The word “Christian” or Christianos (Greek) only occurs three times in the NT (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1Peter 4:16), meaning Christ like, or a follower of Christ; while a “disciple” or mathētēs (Greek) occurs hundreds of times in the NT. “Christian” is more of an adjective describing whatever others identify with Christ as followers of the Way. “The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26 KJV). “Disciple” emphasizes the discipline or practice of obeying the teachings of Christ. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). Though we do not mind being labeled “Christian” by others, for lack of a better way of describing us, but we prefer the title “disciple,” since it emphasizes the discipline of practicing obedience to the teachings of Christ. “And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46 KJV). LORD, teach us to be the practicing kind of those who profess Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

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