For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
In a city called Antioch, the followers of Jesus get a brand-new name that's still used today.
Today's Story
The good news about Jesus was spreading to new cities. In a busy city called Antioch, lots of people — both Jewish people and people from other nations — were hearing about Jesus and believing! God's family was growing in a wonderful new place.
The believers in Jerusalem sent a kind, encouraging man named Barnabas to help. When Barnabas saw how God was working, he was so happy! He encouraged everyone to stay true to Jesus with all their hearts. Then he went and got his friend Paul, and together they taught the people for a whole year.
And it was right there in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called a special new name: CHRISTIANS! It means “people who belong to Christ.” Isn't that a wonderful name? If you love and follow Jesus, you're a Christian too!
The Christians at Antioch also showed great love. When they heard that fellow believers far away would be hungry because of a famine, they gathered money to help them. Real Christians don't just believe — they love and help each other.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- “Christian” means “belonging to Christ.” If you follow Jesus, you're a Christian! How does that name make you feel?
- Barnabas encouraged everyone to stay true to Jesus. Who encourages YOU to follow Jesus?
- The Christians helped believers who were hungry. How can we show love by helping others?