Original collection
Names for Individual Christians
The New Testament uses several inspired descriptions for Christ's people. Collectively they are called the church, body of Christ, household of God, temple of God, churches of Christ, churches of God, and other contextually appropriate descriptions. Individually they are called Christians, disciples, saints, believers, brethren, and other relational terms. No human denominational name should replace allegiance to Christ, but Scripture's own variety of descriptions should be respected.
Key KJV Scriptures:
Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16
Key KJV Scriptures: Full Text
11 indexed verses · Showing 1–11. Read each passage in its chapter context.
Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Acts 11:26 (KJV)
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.
Romans 16:16 (KJV)
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Ephesians 1:22 (KJV)
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Ephesians 1:23 (KJV)
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 2:19 (KJV)
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 2:20 (KJV)
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:21 (KJV)
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Ephesians 2:22 (KJV)
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.