Short answer: Jesus’ followers names include the Twelve Apostles, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and Nicodemus.
How Jesus Followers Got Their Names: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a follower of Jesus, you might be curious about how the various names that are often used to describe believers came about. Whether it’s Christian, disciple, saint or simply follower of Christ, each term has its own unique history and meaning.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how followers of Jesus got their names:
Step One: The Birth of Christianity
The story begins with the birth of Christianity itself. According to scripture, Jesus began his ministry around 30 AD in Palestine. He preached love and compassion for all people and taught them to live according to God’s will. His teachings drew many followers who would later become the first Christians.
Step Two: The Term “Christian” is Coined
Initially, these early believers were known simply as “disciples”. However, after certain events transpired in Antioch (Acts 11:26), they started being referred to as Christians – essentially meaning ‘followers/believers of Christ’.
It was not until several years after Jesus’ death when some believed he had risen from the dead that they took up this title; one could argue calling oneself a Christian was somewhat scandalous at first since it carried an association with someone who had been killed by Roman authorities for challenging their authority in religious matters.
Step Three: More Terms Develop Over Time
Over time more terms developed such as Church Fathers referring themselves/their community members collectively as ‘saints’. This term’s origin can also be traced back to Scripture with most prominent mentions being those made by Paul where he refers mainly either generally speaking or specifically addressing different congregations thusly:
-“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called (or chosen) to be saints…” Romans 1:7
– “Paul,…together with all the saints throughout Achaia.” Corinthians :1:2
– “I pray…that you [Ephesians] may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” :Ephesians 1:18.
Step Four: A name for each type of believer
In modern times these different names often reflect something about the person or group involved. For example, being a disciple requires commitment and devotion while saintliness implies godly behavior worthy emulation.
Other traits that might be having been saved by Jesus’ act of sacrifice on their behalf (thus many fellow believers refer to themselves as ‘saved Christians’) , living life according to God’s will/teachings ( hence also found terms such ‘Bible believing/decent/exemplary Christian)and following Jesus Christ unconditionally can also form part attributes denoting followership .
So it really comes down to preference based off individual interpretation – are you more a saint, sojourner or good ol’ Christian? Either way, glad we got that cleared up!
Jesus Followers Names FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
As a follower of Jesus, you may have wondered about the names that are given to his disciples in the Bible. These names often carry significant meanings and can reveal much about their character and role in God’s plan.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that every Jesus follower should know about these important names:
Q: Who were the 12 disciples of Jesus?
A: The 12 original disciples were Simon Peter, Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas (also known as Didymus), Matthew (also called Levi), James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas or Lebbaeus), Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
Q: What do their names mean?
A: Some common interpretations include:
– Simon Peter – “Peter” means “rock” or “stone,” signifying his steadfastness in faith.
– Andrew – derived from Greek words meaning “manly” or “brave.”
– James son of Zebedee – one interpretation is that it means “supplanter,” suggesting he would eventually take over leadership among the group.
– John – means “God is gracious”.
– Philip – derived from Greek words meaning “lover of horses.”
– Bartholomew/Nathaniel – according to different interpretations would come from Hebrew/Biblical origin either person with gift/son gifted by God; strong one with God
– Thomas/Didymus – meant twin.
– Matthew/Levi – name was turned into Biblical characters after New Testament translation form Hebrew source which was probably Matityahu/Mattithiah. Means Gift Of Yahweh/YHWH/God With Us
-James son Of Alphaeous – originally translated Ya’akov bar-Halfai is generally believed to be the same apostle called James the Less, this name gained from relations to another disciple named James (‘James son of Zebedee’). Alphaeus is suggested by scholars as an interpretation between Hebrews word for brave ‘he’haluts’.
– Thaddaeus/Judas Lebbaeus – also known as Judas in some accounts or simply “Lebbaeus” meaning “the heart’s cheerful one.
– Simon the Zealot – It has been assumed that he may have belonged to a group called the “Zealots,” who were radical Jewish nationalists opposed to Roman rule.
-Judas Iscariot: The origins of his name are uncertain. Some suggest it refers to his hometown of Kerioth or Qerioth which was located south-east originally in Judea among hills.
Q: Why did Jesus choose these specific people?
A: While their individual qualities and strengths varied, Jesus chose them based on their willingness to follow him and spread God’s message, often leaving behind their previous lives and professions. He saw potential in each person and used their unique abilities
Digging Deeper into the Meaning and Significance of Jesus’ Disciples’ Names
The names of Jesus’ disciples are well-known to many, but have you ever stopped to consider the deeper meaning and significance behind them? Each name is a reflection of the person’s character, a glimpse into their personality and the unique gifts they brought to Jesus’ ministry.
Let’s start with Simon Peter. Peter was originally named Simon, but it was Jesus who gave him his new name which means “rock.” This name choice speaks volumes about Peter’s future role in leading the early church. Just as a rock provides stability and strength, Peter would be a foundation for the growing movement that started with Jesus himself.
Then there is James and John, sons of Zebedee. Their family had been fishermen before being called by Jesus into His ministry. The name “James” derives from Jacob which can mean “supplanter” or one who takes over. It may hint towards James’ eventual leadership within the Jerusalem church after becoming known as one of its chief apostles. Similarly John carries biblical connotations associated with divine favor or grace – so much so that he referred to himself throughout scripture simply as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
Luke tells us that Thomas’ actual given name meant ‘twin’, however when we read through scripture we often refer to him separately under his post-resurrection moniker “Doubting Thomas”. We know very little else about his life prior before alongside Christ besides this brief interaction:
^16 Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came . ^24 Now Thomas…was not present at that time…and said unto them; ‘Unless I see in His hands…I will not believe.”
It just shows how practical thinking & evidence-based reasoning does nothing short than lending credibility towards bold claims – even if those claims come directly from our Lord Himself.
Judas Iscariot – these days synonymous almost exclusively with betrayal – possessed a name that, in Hebrew, means “praise”. However despite being hand-selected by Jesus to become apart of the Twelve (as mentioned in Mark 3:13-19) we learn that Judas allowed temptation and greed to ultimately drive him towards ultimate betrayal of Jesus. This serves as an important lesson on the dangers of becoming too tied up with worldly possessions at the expense of God’s will for our lives.
And yet nothing described so succinctly sheds light beyond surface-level discourse quite like translating Bartholomew from its original Aramaic form Bar-Tôlmay or “son of Tolmai”.
It’s not much, but remembering Bible transcriptions originally weren’t written complete words makes it all that more poignant; countless scholars believe this specific disciple was also named Nathaniel & his family line happened dated back known prophets which uniquely ties together every theme found within Christmases story perfectly. His naming may ultimately be just one tiny puzzle piece-piece – but when examined up close reminds us how all things became flesh united beneath heavens singular plan.
Overall understanding
