one had received an epistle from a disciple who was in Asia; another had tidings of the dispersed apostles: one had brought a household of Gentiles into communion, and others had taught the young and relieved the sick.
“One hath been here this day,” said a brother, “who hath seen Barnabas at Antioch. He reports that a new name hath been given us there as an insult. They who deride the Christ call us Christians, and by this name are we known.”
“It is a name,” said Paltiel, “which is a reproach only when it is received unwillingly. If freely accepted, (and why should it not be so?) it is honourable.”
“We have endured too much to regard a mere name,” replied the disciple; “yet I would that we could avoid all that may prejudice our cause before it is heard.”
“This name,” replied Paltiel, “is not of a narrow signification, like the birth-name of a man. It may include all who believe now or shall hereafter believe. We know not but that some at the ends of the earth may covet this very name when ages of years have passed away.”
