Labels....
It is interesting how we at times identify people by some label that is indicative of who one is. We say, "he/she is an introvert," or he/she is a calming presence. We seem to have a way of identifying people by their actions or commitments.
In Acts 9 we read the account of people where 2 labels are used that identify them as the targets of Saul (who would become Paul). Each is a description of an aspect of being associated with Jesus of Nazareth.
Today, the "label" used for many is "Christian." But this was not the case in this text, nor the early days of The Church until Acts 11. Curiously enough the label "Christian" was given to these people associated with Jesus of Nazareth by others and not themselves.
The term that was used regularly and found in this text is "disciple" which is understood as learner of pupil. This term/label was not uniquely restricted for religious use. It was a term used throughout the ancient world for those who sought to learn from a teacher or craftsman centuries before the advent of Jesus. There were disciples of Plato, disciples of craftsmen, etc.
So, in the beginning of those who we have come to call Christians was the term of "disciple/pupil of Jesus." This generic term meant a person who sought to learn from Jesus and his teachings for life. This label is descriptive of an approach to life
REFLECT: How would others "label" you and I? Is it obvious to others that we are committed to being a pupil//disciple of Jesus and His way of life?