Before we get to the name of Christians.
Notice in the Acts account that is was people from Cyprus and Cyrene (cypriots and Cyrenians) who began to spread the news of Jesus. These people remain anonymous. No where do we discover who they were, they remain nameless.
They were not making a name for themselves but rather making a name for Christ by their life. The importance was never shifted away from Jesus the Lord. The above nameless people were bearing the name of Christ to all, and thus the name of Christian became their nickname.
The name Christian was not meant initially to be a term of endearment. It was a contemptuous nickname. The people of Antioch were making fun of these Christ-folk.
Yet, by their lives and behavior, the followers of Jesus took this contemptuous nickname and made it a name of honor, respect and even admiration.
By the life they lived, the name of Christian was a name to be had.
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