Acts 11:26
New International Version
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

New Living Translation
When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

English Standard Version
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Berean Standard Bible
and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Berean Literal Bible
and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. Now it came to pass that they also gathered together an entire year in the church, and taught a large crowd. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

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.

New King James Version
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

New American Standard Bible
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 of people; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Legacy Standard Bible
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Amplified Bible
and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For an entire year they met [with others] in the church and instructed large numbers; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

Christian Standard Bible
and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

American Standard Version
and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Contemporary English Version
He found Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they met with the church for a whole year and taught many of its people. There in Antioch the Lord's followers were first called Christians.

English Revised Version
and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After finding Saul, Barnabas brought him back to Antioch. Barnabas and Saul met with the church in Antioch for a whole year and taught a large group of people. The disciples were called Christians for the first time in the city of Antioch.

Good News Translation
When he found him, he took him to Antioch, and for a whole year the two met with the people of the church and taught a large group. It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.

International Standard Version
When he found him, he brought him to Antioch, and for a whole year they were guests of the church and taught many people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

Majority Standard Bible
and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

NET Bible
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught a significant number of people. Now it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

New Heart English Bible
When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Weymouth New Testament
He succeeded, and brought him to Antioch; and for a whole year they attended the meetings of the Church, and taught a large number of people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples first received the name of 'Christians.'

World English Bible
When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having found him, he brought him to Antioch, and it came to pass that they assembled together a whole year in the assembly, and taught a great multitude, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Berean Literal Bible
and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. Now it came to pass that they also gathered together an entire year in the church, and taught a large crowd. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Young's Literal Translation
and having found him, he brought him to Antioch, and it came to pass that they a whole year did assemble together in the assembly, and taught a great multitude, the disciples also were divinely called first in Antioch Christians.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it was for a whole year they were assembled together in the churches, and taught a sufficient crowd. And the disciples were Christians by divine intimation first in Antioch.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they conversed there in the church a whole year; and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they were conversing there in the Church for an entire year. And they taught such a great multitude, that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first known by the name of Christian.

New American Bible
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

New Revised Standard Version
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when he had found him, he brought him to An’ti-och. And for the whole year they assembled together in the church, and taught a great many people. The disciples were called Christians first at An’ti-och and from that time on.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he found him, he brought him with him to Antiakia, and they were assembling together for a full year with the church and they taught many people. From that time, the disciples were first called Christians by the Antiochenes.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that they met together in the church for a whole year, and taught a great multitude; and the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Godbey New Testament
And it happened unto them, a whole year indeed they assembled in the church, and taught a great multitude: and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Haweis New Testament
and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that during a whole year they were jointly employed in that church, and taught a vast multitude, and they called for the first time in Antioch the disciples Christians.

Mace New Testament
where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians.

Weymouth New Testament
He succeeded, and brought him to Antioch; and for a whole year they attended the meetings of the Church, and taught a large number of people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples first received the name of 'Christians.'

Worrell New Testament
and, having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass that, even for a whole year, they met together in the assembly, and taught a great multitude; and that the disciples got the name "Christian" first in Antioch.

Worsley New Testament
And they assembled in the church a whole year, and taught much people: and the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Church at Antioch
25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. 27In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.…

Cross References
Matthew 28:19-20
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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 2:41-47
Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day. / They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. / A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. ...

Acts 9:26-28
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. / Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. / So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 14:21-23
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, / strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

Acts 15:35
But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.

Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”

Romans 16:1-2
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. / Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.

1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

Galatians 1:22
I was personally unknown, however, to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Colossians 4:11
Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

1 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

1 Peter 4:16
But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he had found him, he brought him to 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.

that.

Acts 13:1,2
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul…

with the church.

Acts 14:23,27
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed…

1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

1 Corinthians 11:18
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

taught.

Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

were.

Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Isaiah 65:15
And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

1 Corinthians 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Jump to Previous
Antioch Assembled Assembly Attended Barnabas Christians Church Crowd Disciples Entire First Found Gathered Great Large Meetings Saul Succeeded Taught Themselves Time Together Whole
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Antioch Assembled Assembly Attended Barnabas Christians Church Crowd Disciples Entire First Found Gathered Great Large Meetings Saul Succeeded Taught Themselves Time Together Whole
Acts 11
1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,
5. makes his defense;
18. which is accepted.
19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them.
26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.
27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.














and when he found him
This phrase refers to Barnabas finding Saul (later known as Paul). The Greek word for "found" is "heuriskō," which implies a diligent search. Barnabas's search for Saul highlights the importance of seeking out those who are called to serve in ministry. It reflects the Christian duty to recognize and encourage the gifts and callings in others, fostering a spirit of unity and purpose within the body of Christ.

he brought him to Antioch
Antioch was a major city in ancient Syria, known for its cultural diversity and as a hub of early Christianity. The act of bringing Saul to Antioch signifies the strategic importance of this city in the spread of the Gospel. Historically, Antioch was a place where Jewish and Gentile believers first came together, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers and the universal nature of the Christian message.

So for a whole year they met with the church
The Greek word for "church" is "ekklesia," meaning a called-out assembly or congregation. This indicates that the early believers were not just a casual gathering but a committed community. The phrase "for a whole year" emphasizes the dedication and consistency required in teaching and discipleship, underscoring the importance of sustained spiritual growth and fellowship.

and taught large numbers of people
Teaching is a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, as seen in the Greek word "didaskō," meaning to instruct or impart knowledge. The reference to "large numbers" indicates the significant impact of the Gospel in Antioch, as many were drawn to the message of Christ. This growth reflects the power of the Holy Spirit working through faithful teaching and the openness of the people to receive the truth.

The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch
The term "Christians" comes from the Greek "Christianos," meaning followers of Christ. This designation, first used in Antioch, marks a pivotal moment in the identity of the early church. It signifies a distinct community set apart by their allegiance to Jesus Christ. Historically, this name may have been used by outsiders, possibly as a term of derision, but it became a badge of honor for believers, encapsulating their mission and identity in Christ. This moment in Antioch represents the fulfillment of Jesus' command to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8), as the faith transcended cultural and ethnic boundaries.

(26) The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.--The term for "were called" is not the word usually so rendered. Better, perhaps, got the name of Christians. The Emperor Julian (Misopog., p. 344) notes the tendency to invent nicknames, as a form of satire, as characteristic of the population of Antioch in his time, and the same tone of persiflage seems to have prevailed on the first appearance of the new faith. The origin of a name which was afterwards to be so mighty in the history of the world is a subject full of interest. In its form it was essentially Latin, after the pattern of the Pompeiani, Sullani, and other party-names; and so far it would seem to have grown out of the contact of the new society with the Romans stationed at Antioch, who, learning that its members acknowledged the Christos as their head, gave them the name of Christiani. In the Gospels, it is true, however (Matthew 22:16, et al.), we find the analogous term of Herodiani, but there, also, we may legitimately trace the influence of Roman associations. As used in the New Testament, we note (1) that the disciples never use it of themselves. They keep to such terms as the "brethren" (Acts 15:1), and the "saints" (Acts 9:13), and "those of the way" (Acts 9:2). (2) That the hostile Jews use the more scornful term of "Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). (3) That the term Christianus is used as a neutral and sufficiently respectful word by Agrippa in Acts 26:23, and at a somewhat later date, when it had obviously gained a wider currency, as that which brought with it the danger of suffering and persecution (1Peter 4:16). It was natural that a name first given by outsiders should soon be accepted by believers as a title in which to glory. Tradition ascribes its origin to Euodius, the first Bishop of Antioch (Bingham, Ant. II. i. ? 4), and Ignatius, his successor, uses it frequently, and forms from it the hardly less important word of Christianismos, as opposed to Judaismos (Philadelph. c. 6), and as expressing the whole system of faith and life which we know as "Christianity." It may be worth while to note that another ecclesiastical term, hardly less important in the history of Christendom, seems also to have originated at Antioch, and that we may trace to it the name of Catholic as well as Christian (Ignatius, Smyrn. c. 8). We learn from Tertullian (Apol. c. 3) that the name was often wrongly pronounced as Chrestiani, and its meaning not understood. Even the name of Christos was pronounced and explained as Chrestos (= good). The Christians, on their side, accepted the mistake as a nomen et omen, an unconscious witness on the part of the heathen that they were good and worthy in their lives, that their Lord was "good and gracious (1Peter 2:3). . . . Verse 26. - Even for a whole year for a whole year, A.V. and T.R.; they were gathered together for they assembled themselves, A.V.; and that the disciples for and the disciples, A.V. The phrase ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ occurs again in 1 Corinthians 11:18 (T.R.), where it has, as here, very nearly the sense of "in the church," as a place of meeting. It should be "in," not "with." The "Church" is the assembly of disciples gathered together in their house of meeting. Were called; χρηματίσαι, bore the name cf. It is a peculiar use of the word occurring in the New Testament only in Romans 7:3 besides, but found also in Polybius, Strabo, Josephus, and some other writers. Its common meaning is, in the passive voice, "to be warned of God," as in Acts 10:22, where see note. Christians. It was a memorable event in the history of the Church when the name of Christians, which has distinguished them for nearly eighteen centuries and a half, was given to the disciples of Christ. Hitherto they had been called among themselves disciples, and brethren, and saints, and, by the Jews, men "of the Way" (Acts 9:2), or "Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5), but now they received the name of Christians, as followers of Christ, from the outside world, and accepted it themselves (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). From the Latin form of the word Christians, i.e. followers of Christ (like Herodians, followers of Herod; Marians, Pompeians, partisans of Marius and Pompey; Caesariani, Ciceroniani, Vitelliani, Flaviani, etc.; Conybeare and Howson, vol. 1:130; Lewin, vol. 1:97), the designation most have been invented by the Gentiles, either by the Roman court or camp at Antioch, or by the Greek population, influenced as they were by Roman forms of speech current amongst them (compare the Greece-Oriental Nestorians, Arians, etc.). We may be sure that Christians, i.e. followers of Messiah, is not a name likely to have been given by Jews. There is no evidence either of its having been given in derision. The well-known account of Tacitus is "Vulgus Christianos appella-bat. Auctor nominis ejus Christus, Tiberio imperitante, per Pontium Pilatum supplicio affectus erat" ('Annal.,' 15:44). Suidas says that those who had been previously called Nazarenes and Galileans, in the reign of Claudius Caesar, when Euodius had been made Bishop of Antioch by Peter, had their name changed into that of Christians. He seems to refer to the statement of Malalas (quoted by Conybeare and Howson, 1:131), that they who had been before called Nazarenes and Galileans received the name of Christians in the time of Euodius, who succeeded St. Peter as Bishop of Antioch, and who himself gave them this name." Malalas is thought to have lived somewhere between the sixth and ninth centuries, at Byzantium. A beautiful passage in the Clementine Liturgy is also quoted at p. 130: "We give thee thanks that we are called by the Name of thy Christ, and are thus reckoned as thine own," where the allusion is to James 2:7. The name Christian is frequent in the epistles of Ignatius, the Bishop of Antioch; Polycarp's dying words were, "I am a Christian" (Bishop Wordsworth).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and [when]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he found [him],
εὑρὼν (heurōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

he brought [him]
ἤγαγεν (ēgagen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

back to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Antioch.
Ἀντιόχειαν (Antiocheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 490: From Antiochus; Antiochia, a place in Syria.

[So]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[for] a full
ὅλον (holon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.

year
ἐνιαυτὸν (eniauton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1763: A year, cycle of time. Prolongation from a primary enos; a year.

they
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

met together
συναχθῆναι (synachthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church
ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

taught
διδάξαι (didaxai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1321: To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.

large
ἱκανόν (hikanon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

[numbers of people].
ὄχλον (ochlon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

The
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθητὰς (mathētas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

were first called
χρηματίσαι (chrēmatisai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5537: From chrema; to utter an oracle, i.e. Divinely intimate; by implication, to constitute a firm for business, i.e. bear as a title.

Christians
Χριστιανούς (Christianous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5546: A Christian. From Christos; a Christian, i.e. Follower of Christ.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Antioch.
Ἀντιοχείᾳ (Antiocheia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 490: From Antiochus; Antiochia, a place in Syria.


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