Being a Christ-Guy

Sunday, 6 April 2025

It is in these verses that “the disciples were first called Christians” (v26). Despite the positive connotations we tend to attach to the word “Christian”, it was, in all likelihood, a pejorative label given by Gentile unbelievers to mock or dismiss the believers in Christ. The word is a compound of Χριστός (Christos) and the suffix -ianos, and can be literally rendered Christ-one, or Christ-person.

Picture a scene in Antioch, as thirty-five-year-old Stephanos approaches a fish market, hoping to provide food for his family.

“I’ll have two of those please.” he says hurriedly, trying not to look the fisherman in the eye.

The man glances suspiciously at Stephanos. “I reckon I’ve seen you before.” he grunts. “You’re not a ‘Christ-guy’ are you?”

Stories of Peter’s denial of Christ pass swiftly through Stephanos’ mind, and courage returns to him. He straightens. Meeting the fisherman’s gaze — and noting with an inward chuckle that this chap kind of looks like a fish when you get right down to it (perhaps it’s the dead eyes, or the scaly nose) — he smiles.

“Yes. I am a ‘Christ-guy’. And what’s more, I’m glad it’s obvious.”

The fisherman gives a belly-laugh, then stretches out his arms in a mock-crucifixion, allowing his head to loll to one side and his tongue to protrude. It is not long before tradesmen from all around the neighbourhood join in on the fun.

That night, Stephanos returns home empty-handed, resolved to wear fine clothes and laugh loudest over the scantiest of meals.

In the twenty-first century, Christians are no strangers to pejorative labels, but we have somehow lost the courage to embrace them. Are you a ‘Christ-guy’?