"a Christian, follower of Christ, Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16*"
Definition and meaning
a Christian, follower of Christ, Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16*
In the original Greek the word is written: Χριστιανός
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of christianos (G5546) across the King James Bible.
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5546 (christianos) is a Greek word that means: a Christian, follower of Christ, Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word christianos (G5546) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5546 is christianos, a Greek word defined as: a Christian, follower of Christ, Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
christianos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.