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 11:26 NKJV)

disciples of Jesus Christ wear the name Christian

1. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) provided the same teaching and guidance to the church at Antioch that the written word provides to us. They first spoke God’s plan to them and then committed it to writing for our benefit.
2. The goal in Antioch was to be Christians. They knew nothing of becoming “hyphenated-Christians” (different types of denominational disciples). Such language is unknown to the New Testament. Denominations did not exist back then; they are contrary to God’s plan. “ 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. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 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.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.
3. The emphasis in Antioch was on teaching. These Christians had first heard the gospel, then obeyed it (Acts 11:19-21). After this, Barnabas and Paul assembled with the church and taught many (verse 26). Spiritual babies must not be neglected. The word that made them Christians also made them strong. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). It can do the same for us.

-- Rick Duggin