The Way

Those that follow Jesus Christ are referred to as "Christians" today. This was not always the case, however. The Bible records another name that the first century church was referred as. In Acts 24:14 we read, "But this I confess to you, that after 'the way', which they call a sect, so worship I the God of the fathers, believing all things written in the law and in the prophets." Where did this term "the way" originate from? You may have guessed it, from Jesus himself (John 14:6).

What is the importance of knowing that the first century Christians were often referred to as "the way"? Today the term 'Christians' can mean many different things. There are many different denominations behind the term "Christian". The term "The Way" gives a much more clear and direct picture of how the first century disciples lived.

The obvious 'tell-tell' sign of someone being a follower of "The Way", was the WAY they lived their life. This is where the importance of this name comes to affect. The people knew they were followers of "The Way" because they followed the founder of "The Way", Jesus. In the same way a Jew is a Jew because he follows the customs of Jewish laws. A follower of "The Way" was known because they followed Jesus' way.

How simple yet profound this revelation is! All those that want to be a follower of 'The Way' must subscribe to the teachings of the founder (Jesus).

The point of this article is to point people to Jesus and His teachings. Those teachings that you can find in the four gospels. The same teachings that will judge us on the last day (John 12:48). These teachings separate a true believer of "The Way" from the imposters. You will know a good tree by it's fruit; therefore brothers and sisters, let us start (and continue) following Jesus' Way.

In peace

Phoebe Ann said:

You misquoted Acts 24:14.

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men. 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. 20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

The Jews thought he had abandoned the true God. He had not.

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I don't believe I did?

The reason why they thought he abandoned the true God was because he was following a different "way". Jesus' way. The Jews couldn't see that following Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and all it's entirety. When you follow Jesus' way, you ARE following the Law of Moses. Just the fulfilled version.

In peace