By Clint Harper

Peter tells us, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).

Barbara recently wrote and asked, "What was Jesus last name?"

We may be wondering ourselves and be wondering how we would answer someone if they were to ask the question. The answer is not very hard, however, many may have a wrong idea about the name of Jesus. The words "Jesus Christ" are used so often together (196 times in 187 New Testament verses) that many have the mistaken idea that "Christ" was the last name of Jesus. It was not. "Christ" is a term that identifies Jesus as the Messiah (or Savior), which is what he was.

Last names (or Surnames) are actually of recent origin. Probably everyone you know has a last name and a first name. You and your parents most likely have middle names also. But most likely your grandparents or maybe one more generation back did not have middle names, something also of recent origin. It has been impossible to pinpoint exactly when family names began to be used. However, we can readily see the need for such. Imagine two tribes (or families) living in close proximity. Sooner or later there are going to be too many Marries and Johns to keep up with if all had only one name. Therefore, out of necessity, people began to use a family name.

Around the third century AD the Romans used a fairly complex naming system which gave citizens three names. For example the name "Quintus" meant that he was the fifth son. However, this practice of giving more than one name died with the Roman empire and was not practiced again for many years.

The modern day practice began in the Orient in the middle ages and spread from there. There were several methods used to give a name. Patronymics is the method of honoring the parent by using the "Patriarch’s" name as a family name. This is thought to only be used in the Scandinavian countries. Early Ireland and Scotland peoples used Clan Names. Many of these would also be a by-product of Patronymics.

Occupations were used by many to develop surnames. The first Baker was a baker of some sort. The first Cooper was a barrel maker. In Acts 10 we read of "Simon a tanner" which distinguishes him from Simon, the apostle Peter. In Acts 19 we read of "Demetrius, a silversmith." It is easy to see, then, that this practice would be easy to duplicate.

Places were used by some to identify their family. If John moves to another country from Wales, he may be referred to as John from/of Wales. This is where the surname "Walsh" was born. Norman is from Normandy. Saul was from Tarsus (Acts 9:11). Jesus grew up in Nazareth (Acts 2:22).

And then there are Nicknames. Many are the actors who have changed their names to what they considered more pleasing to the voice and ear. Some simply change the pronunciation of their names for one reason or another. Joe Theisman did not always rhyme with Heisman (as in the trophy).

Can you imagine what your surname means? Where did it come from? The next time you are asked about the last name of Jesus, what will you tell them?