The Way
“The Way” was an early name for the movement of people who followed Jesus. It described more than a set of beliefs—it was a way of living centered on Him.
The name appears in Acts, after Jesus’ resurrection, rather than as a recorded name for His followers during His earthly ministry.
Jesus laid the foundation when He said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
—John 14:6, KJV
Acts shows how the name was used:
Acts 9:2: Saul sought permission to arrest anyone belonging to “this way,” whether men or women.
Acts 19:9, 23: Opposition arose against “the Way.”
Acts 24:14: Paul acknowledged that he worshipped God according to “the way which they call heresy,” while believing the Law and the Prophets.
These earliest followers were Jews who believed Jesus was Israel’s promised Messiah. They continued to worship the God of Israel and understood Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Gentiles were later welcomed into this same community through faith in Christ.
For your Kingdom teaching, the central idea is powerful: Jesus did not simply point people toward a way—He declared that He Himself is the Way to the Father. Following Him meant living out His teaching through love, mercy, faithfulness, and service.