Our Nazarene Name

…has both biblical and historical roots. There are four times in the New Testament we find a reference to the Nazarenes.  In the Bible, before the followers of Jesus were called Christians, they were referred to as “Nazarenes.”  Here are the four references. First, prophets called Jesus a Nazarene.  Jesus “went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:23).    

 Secondly, the apostle Paul was a leader of “Nazarene” churches.  When Paul was in Caesarea and brought before Governor Felix, “some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus brought charges against Paul before the governor” (Acts 24:1). Their accusation was, “We have found this man to be a troublemaker…and a ringleader of the Nazarene” movement (Acts 24:5). 

 Thirdly, the night that Jesus was disowned by Peter, “one of the servant girls of the high priest came by” (Mark 14:66).  She looked closely at Peter standing by the fire and said, “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus” (Mark 14:67).    

 Lastly, on the morning of the greatest event in human history, at the empty tomb it was an angel from heaven who said to the women, “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene? He is not here. He is risen!”  (Mark 16:6)  

The movement of God through the people of God is not centered in just an organization but in a person – Jesus the Nazarene!  The Church of the Nazarene today is part of the long history of the Church over the past 2,000 years.We identify with the historic church in preaching the Word, administering the sacraments and calling people to live holy lives in full devotion to God. We are a movement of God through the people of God!