Followers of the Way

In my recent article, The Ways of Life, I said that Jesus Christ called Himself the Way, and that we must walk in His ways.  In fact, the early Christians were more widely known as followers of The Way, as seen throughout the book of Acts. It is believed that this name used for the followers of Christ may have originated with the Lord, who is the Way. In fact, even after his disciples initially began to be known as Christians (Ac 11:26), they continued to be known as the Way long afterward.  So both before and after the term "Christian" came into use, they were still known as followers of the Way.

"Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." (Act 9:1-2)

"But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus." (Act 19:9)

"About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way." (Act 19:23)

Paul said, "I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison..." (Ac 22:4, NIV).

"However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;"  (Act 24:14, NIV)

"But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.'" (Act 24:22)

Brethren, it's time we once again become followers of the Way, not just in name, but to be so in all our ways.  Then we'll truly be working God's way.

Attribution notice: Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this article, I also recommend The Ways of Life, The Straight and Narrow Path, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God, Michael Shigaba's Encounter with Jesus, Righteous Deeds and White Robes, Practicing Your Righteousness, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Doing What is Right, Your Rewards Are Based on Your Practice, Is Practical Righteousness a Lost Truth?, Faith Works!, The Judgment Seat of Christ, The Obedience of Faith, The Difference Between a Disciple and a Believer, Remember the Eternal Law of God, Purge the Evil from Among You, and The Righteous Will Shine Forth as the Sun. Other related articles are available on the Home page. You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.
Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.