Believers in Jesus Christ were first known as followers of the Way. This is most likely due to the statement Jesus made in John 14:6, where he said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” These words are given in the context of the first six verses of John 14. John 14:1-3 reads, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Notice that “the Way” is found three times in the next three verses of this passage. The Way is specifically mentioned in John 14:4, “And where I go, you know, and the Way you know.” The Way is skeptically questioned in John 14:5, “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the Way?’” The Way is strategically positioned in John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” From the Book of Acts, we find there is a varied response to the Way.

Some vibrantly professed the Way, like Saul of Tarsus, who was converted on his way to Damascus to persecute those of the Way (Acts 9:1-9). This persecutor became a preacher (Acts 9:20-30). Saul, also known as Paul, became a shining example of those who profess the Way.

Others viciously profaned the Way. “And [Paul] went into the synagogue [in Ephesus] and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus” (Acts 19:8-9).Still, others violently protested the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines to the goddess Diana, incited a riot because he was afraid the preaching of the gospel would endanger his trade (Acts 19:21-34). We read in Acts 19:23, “And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.” The city clerk “quieted the crowd,” reasoned with them, and “dismissed the assembly” (Acts 19:35-41).

Felix procrastinated about the Way. Paul testified to Felix how he was a follower of the Way. Felix wanted to learn more and later brought his wife, Drusilla, to hear about the faith in Christ (Acts 24:14, 22-24). When Paul “reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you’” (Acts 24:25). Remember, to refuse to choose is to choose to refuse.

Do you know the Way?

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah".