The Way – What the First Followers Were Really Called
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
— John 14:6, KJV
What's in a Name?
For nearly two millennia, believers in Jesus Christ have embraced the name Christian. But have we ever stopped to ask: Is that what Jesus’ first followers called themselves? Scripture gives us a surprising and eye-opening answer.
Long before the word Christian ever appeared on the lips of men, those who followed Jesus were known by another name—The Way.
The Way: The Original Identity of Believers
“And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
— Acts 9:2, KJV
Throughout the book of Acts, the term “the way” is used repeatedly:
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Acts 9:2 – Saul persecutes those of the way.
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Acts 19:9 – Some speak evil of the way.
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Acts 24:14 – Paul defends himself saying, “after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers.”
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Acts 24:22 – Felix had a more accurate knowledge of the way.
This wasn’t just poetic language. It was the identity of early disciples—a movement, a lifestyle, a divine path. It meant following the literal way of Jesus (Yeshua), the narrow road of righteousness (Matthew 7:14), and walking in obedience to the Father.
Why It Matters: “Christian” Wasn't Their Word
“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
— Acts 11:26, KJV
The term Christian only appears three times in the Bible, and its origin was likely external. The believers didn’t name themselves “Christians”—they were called that by outsiders in Antioch. Later, Agrippa uses the term in Acts 26:28, and Peter references it in 1 Peter 4:16, where he encourages believers not to be ashamed if they are called Christians.
But in Scripture, the followers of Jesus never identify themselves as Christians. They identify themselves with “the way”, a term deeply rooted in Yeshua’s words in John 14:6.
Over time, especially when Rome institutionalized Christianity under Constantine, the faith shifted from being a path to becoming a religion—from discipleship to dogma.
The Netzarim: The Branch That Remained
Another ancient identifier for Yeshua’s followers was Netzarim—the Nazarenes. This term finds its roots in Hebrew prophecy:
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”
— Isaiah 11:1, KJV
The Hebrew word for branch is Netzer, prophetically referring to the Messiah. Yeshua of Nazareth (Netzeret in Hebrew) was the fulfillment of this prophecy. Early believers embraced this connection and were known as Nazarenes, the branch people, walking in the Torah, believing in the Messiah, keeping Sabbath and the biblical feasts.
“For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.”
— Acts 24:5, KJV
This wasn't a slur. It was recognition of a distinct movement—rooted in Torah, fulfilled in Messiah.
Modern Christianity vs. The Ancient Way
Today, the term Christianity carries layers of political, institutional, and denominational baggage. But the Way is different. It is not about buildings, branding, or bulletins. It’s about walking as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6), obeying God’s commandments (John 14:15), and living in holiness, love, and truth.
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
— Matthew 7:14, KJV
We must ask: Are we followers of religion—or are we followers of the Way?
A Call to Return
In these last days, as deception increases and global systems collapse under the weight of corruption, God is calling His people back—not to religion, but to relationship. Not to tradition, but to truth.
“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…”
— Jeremiah 6:16, KJV
Let us return to the Way—the walk of Yeshua, the truth of the Word, the life of the Spirit.
A Call to Repentance
If you've walked in religion but not in relationship, this is your moment.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...”
— Acts 3:19, KJV
Turn from dead works. Return to the living God. Ask Him to reveal to you the Way, and walk in it.
The Gospel Message
Salvation begins with acknowledging the truth:
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We have all sinned.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23, KJV -
We need a Savior.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23, KJV -
Jesus died and rose again for us.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8, KJV -
Receive Him by faith.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” — Romans 10:9, KJV
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