It is a common practice for followers to be named after the person they follow or what they practice. In the first century, the followers of Christ were called Christians, saints, brethren, disciples, the church, the body of Christ, etc. They were never given exalted names like "reverend" or "father". They were never named after denominations or their practices because there were no denominations in the first century church.
| Acts 11:26 |
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole
year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the
disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. |
| Acts 11:1 |
Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also
received the word of God. |
| Colossians 1:2 |
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you
and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
| Matthew 23:9-12 |
"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in
heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the
Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
himself will be exalted." |
| 1 Corinthians 1:12,10 |
Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or
"I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."...Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you
all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that
you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. |
| Philippians 3:17 |
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have
us for a pattern. |
| 1 Corinthians 10:17 |
For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that
one bread. |
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