Pagan worshipers of Serapis were called Christian before the Messiah was ever born

Oct 22, 2024

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Lecture Notes: Christian Terminology and Historical Context

Origin and Meaning of the Term "Christian"

  • The term "Christian" first appears in Acts 11:26, where the disciples were called Christians in Antioch.
  • Greek Origin: The Greek term used is "Christianos," meaning follower of Christ.
  • Hebrew Context: In Hebrew, the word for Messiah is "Mashiach," used where "Christ" appears in the King James Bible.
  • The early believers, including the disciples and early messianic Jews, would have referred to the Savior as "Masayak" or "Messiah," not "Christianos."

The Influence of Greek and Roman Culture

  • Greek Influence: Antioch was a Greek-speaking city; hence, the Greek term "Christianos" was used by non-believers.
  • Roman Influence: The term "Christianos" may have been confused with followers of the deity Serapis, who were called "Christians" as early as 200 BCE.
  • Mithraism: The Roman pagan religion of Mithraism blended with early Christianity, influencing the development of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC).

Historical Manuscripts and Translations

  • The Bible's original manuscripts were not in English but in Greek, Aramaic, and Latin.
    • Septuagint: Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.
    • Peshita: Written in Middle Aramaic.
    • Vulgate: Written in Latin.
  • The King James Version was translated from the "Textus Receptus," not from the Septuagint.

Omitted and Apocryphal Texts

  • Some texts, like the Apocrypha, were removed from the 1611 King James Bible.
  • The book of Joshua and other texts are not included in the Bible despite being mentioned.
  • It is estimated that about 100 books have been removed or not included.

Influence of Non-Israelite Nations

  • Edom and Rome: Some traditions claim that many early Christians were from Edom and Tyre, influencing early Christianity with pagan practices.
  • Legends and Historical Accounts: Various legends claim Esau’s descendants influenced the empires of Rome, Tyre, and others.
  • Ernest L. Martin suggests these populations migrated to Western Roman regions and became Christians.

Esau and Jacob in Religious Lore

  • Esau is portrayed as a significant figure influencing various ancient empires, including Rome and Carthage.
  • God’s Call to Messiah: A prophecy urges the Messiah to "roar at this monster," referring to a nation descended from Esau that led Israel away from the Torah.

These notes cover the intricate relationships between early Christian terminology, Greek and Roman influences, and the historical context surrounding the formation of Christianity and its texts. Understanding these elements is crucial for grasping the complexities of early Christian identity and scriptural evolution.

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