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CHRESTIANS.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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The heathen made a mistake in the name of our Savior, whom they generally called Chrestus, and his followers Chrestians (Suetonius, in Claud. 25). This is noted by Justin Martyr (Apol. 2), Tertullian (Apol. 100:3), and Lactantius (4:7). Christus is the salme with the Hebrew Messias, and signifies a person anointed; while Chrestus, χρηστός means good. Tertullian tells the heathen that they were unpardonable for persecuting Christians merely for their name, for both names were innocent and excellent. — Bingham, Orig. Ecclesiastes bk. 1, ch. 1, § 11.