Christ
Not Jesus’ surname — a title meaning “anointed one,” the same as “Messiah.”
A little more
“Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah,” meaning someone specially chosen and anointed by God, historically for the role of king, priest, or prophet. Calling Jesus “Christ” is a claim about who he is, not just a name.
Early Christians used “Jesus Christ” so often together that it can look like a first and last name in English. It’s really closer to “Jesus, the Messiah” or “Jesus, God’s chosen king.”
Read it for yourself
- Mark 8:27-29Peter identifies Jesus as “the Christ.”