Christian

Name originally given to disciples of Jesus by outsiders and gradually adopted by the Early Church to designate all members of the church.

Name originally given to disciples of JesusJesus (Greek form of Hebrew 'Joshua' meaning 'Yahweh [God] is salvation') Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded mainly in the Four Gospels although he is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus (c. 37-c.100) and the Roman historian Tacitus (c.110). by outsiders and gradually adopted by the Early ChurchEarly Church Usually applied to the first three centuries of the development of Christianity from the Crucifixion of Christ to c. 325 (the Council of Nicea). to designate all members of the church.