"Christian" was a hateful epithet (a word that substitutes for another word) that was created by the Greek-speeking pagans who lived in Antioch, Syria. The word was coined to mock those who preached about "The Christ" or more literally, "The Anointed" since "christ" means "anointed" in Greek. They made up the word after hearing Paul and Barnabus preaching about "The Anointed." (Oh, "Messiah" literally means "anointed.")
The word "christian" is only used 3 times in the Bible; twice in the book of Acts and not by the followers of Jesus The Christ, who called themselves, "Believers" (or more literally "Faiths"). The other place the word appears is in 1 Peter 4:16. In that case, Peter is talking about those who are being made fun of and suffering because the mocking pagans are calling them "Christian."
From Today's NIV 1 Peter 4:12-19 (bold words added for my interpretation according to context:
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian (by being mockingly called "Christian"); do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
