Christo or Kristu – Which One is Correct?
Answer:The term Christo comes from the Greek word Khristós (Χριστός), meaning “Anointed One.” When translated into Swahili directly from Greek—the original language of the New Testament—it is pronounced Kristo.
In contrast, the Latin form of the word is Christus, which, when adapted into Swahili, becomes Kristu.
So which is correct?
From a biblical and linguistic standpoint, Kristo is more faithful to the original Greek text of the New Testament. The Greek manuscripts of the Bible consistently use the term Χριστός (Christos) to refer to Jesus as the Messiah. For example:
John 1:41 “He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).”
John 1:41
“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ).”
This verse explicitly shows the equivalence between Messiah (Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ, Mashiach) and Christ (Greek: Christos). Both mean “The Anointed One.”
However, using Kristu—the Latin-derived version—is not inherently wrong. Latin was the dominant liturgical language in the Western Church for centuries. The Latin Vulgate Bible, translated by Jerome in the late 4th century, uses Christus, which shaped much of Christian terminology throughout Europe and Africa. What matters most is not the pronunciation but the person to whom the name refers—Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Redeemer.
Whether one says Kristo or Kristu, both point to the same divine figure—Jesus, the Son of God—who was anointed to fulfill God’s redemptive plan:
Act 2:36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Act 2:36
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
John 20:31 “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:31
“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
The key theological truth is that Christ is not a surname—it is a title. To say Jesus Christ is to declare that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah prophesied throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament:
Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”
This passage is significant because Jesus applies a Messianic prophecy directly to Himself, affirming His divine calling and mission.
In summary, while Kristo is more linguistically accurate based on the original Greek, Kristu remains theologically valid. What matters most is understanding and believing in the person and work of Jesus—the one true Christ, the Anointed Savior of the world:
1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
May the Lord bless you.
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Praise be to the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Welcome as we study the Bible the Word of our God which is the light for our path and the lamp that guides our steps.
There are things that to our eyes seem small, insignificant, or unimportant, yet to God they are very important. Ignoring them after we come to know them can distance us from God far more than we expect.
On the other hand, there are things that we may regard as highly important, but before God they carry little weight. That is why it is crucial to know what truly matters to God and what does not. The enemy’s strategy is often to magnify what is not important while making the truly important things seem ordinary.
For example, the Lord Jesus told the Pharisees that they had neglected the weightier matters justice, mercy, and faithfulness while focusing on tithing. They thought God was more pleased with their tithes than with their acts of mercy. Yet Jesus Himself said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). In other words, mercy comes first, then sacrifice follows.
Matthew 23:23–24 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
Matthew 23:23–24
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
In the same way, there are four other instructions that are very important to God, yet Satan has made them appear unimportant in the eyes of many.
1. Baptism
Baptism is a vital command for everyone after believing. The true, biblical baptism is immersion in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 3:23; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5). Satan has downplayed baptism because he knows its importance. That is why he has invested so much effort to prevent people from obeying this command.
Notice how someone may spend six hours happily swimming at the beach or in a pool without complaint, yet refuses to obey the simple act of being immersed once in water in the name of Jesus. This reveals how hard Satan works to resist this step.
2. Women Covering Their Heads in Worship.
The Bible instructs women to cover their heads while in worship, because of the angels (1 Corinthians 11:10). To understand the significance of angels, consider the journey of Israel, where God placed them under angelic guardianship:
Exodus 23:20–21 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him.”
Exodus 23:20–21
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.
Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him.”
Therefore, a woman who refuses to cover her head in worship after knowing the truth hinders the presence of God and limits her spiritual blessings. To us, this may seem small, but to God it is great and important.
3. The Lord’s Supper
Jesus commanded us to partake of His table regularly in remembrance of Him. Notice that He gave greater importance to the Lord’s Supper than even to His own birthday. Nowhere did He instruct us to remember His birth, but He did command us to remember His death through the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup.
1 Corinthians 11:24–26 “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:24–26
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
If we neglect the Lord’s Supper, thinking it is minor or meaningless, we are in fact disobeying one of Christ’s most important commands for our own good. If you are in a place where you do not have the opportunity to partake, make every effort to do so.
4. Washing One Another’s Feet
Another command that Satan has worked hard to make seem meaningless is the washing of feet. Yet it is a vital instruction given by the Lord Himself.
John 13:5–10 “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ ‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’”
John 13:5–10
“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’
Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’
‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’
Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’
‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’
Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’”
Look again at verse 8: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Refusing or despising this command can cause us to lose fellowship with God entirely. This is a sobering truth worth deep reflection.
Jesus later made it clear that this was not just symbolic but an example for us to follow:
John 13:12–17 “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’”
John 13:12–17
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them.
‘You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and rightly so, for that is what I am.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’”
This is plain: Christians are required to wash one another’s feet. It was part of the early church practice (see 1 Timothy 5:9–10), and it should be practiced by us as well. Otherwise, we risk losing fellowship with the Lord.
Do not be deceived when false teachers say, “This command is not important.” Even Peter at first resisted, but once he understood, he desired Jesus to wash not only his feet but his whole body!
May the Lord Jesus help us.
Maranatha.
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Shalom! Welcome to today’s Bible study.
Today, we’ll examine the sobering story of “the Field of Blood” also called Akeldama a location intimately connected to the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot. Though seemingly just a piece of land, this field became a powerful symbol of sin, shame, and the consequences of turning away from God.
The term “Field of Blood” refers to a piece of land that was purchased with the thirty silver coins Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus. After realizing the gravity of his betrayal, Judas returned the money to the chief priests, who then used it to buy a potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. Because it was bought with “blood money,” the land became known as Akeldama, or the Field of Blood.
Matthew 27:3–8 (NKJV)Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.”And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.
Although Judas did not directly buy the land, the money used was his. By Jewish legal and cultural standards, the property was associated with him, and thus became a permanent memorial of his betrayal.
The purchase of the Field of Blood wasn’t just an incidental event it was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, showing God’s sovereign knowledge of human actions long before they happen.
Zechariah 11:12–13 (NKJV)Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter” that princely price they set on Me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord for the potter.
This was precisely fulfilled when Judas threw the silver into the temple, and the priests bought the potter’s field with it. Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, links this action directly to prophecy:
Matthew 27:9–10 (NKJV)Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”
(Note: Although Matthew attributes the prophecy to Jeremiah, scholars agree it’s a composite prophecy drawing from both Jeremiah 19 and Zechariah 11.)
Judas’ tragic end is a stark warning. He was chosen as a disciple, part of Jesus’ inner circle, and entrusted with responsibilities (John 12:6). Yet, despite his proximity to Christ, his heart remained far. His remorse led not to repentance and forgiveness, but to despair and suicide.
Acts 1:18–19 (NKJV)(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
This passage in Acts emphasizes that sin may be hidden temporarily, but God brings it to light. Judas’ death and the field became a public testimony of judgment and shame.
Judas betrayed Jesus in private, but the Field of Blood declared his guilt to generations. Similarly, King David tried to cover his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), but God sent the prophet Nathan to expose it (2 Samuel 12:7–9). No matter how well-hidden, sin always finds a voice.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NKJV)For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
B. Ill-Gotten Wealth Is Cursed
Money obtained through injustice or unrighteousness whether through bribery, exploitation, or betrayal ultimately brings shame, not blessing.
Proverbs 10:2 (NKJV)Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
We see this principle echoed in Judas’ field. Though meant to serve a noble purpose (burying strangers), its origin gave it a dark reputation.
Judas traded the Savior for thirty pieces of silver a temporary, worldly gain that cost him his soul.
Mark 8:36–37 (NKJV)For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
We, too, can betray Christ in subtle ways compromising truth for career advancement, relationships, or material gain. But no gain is worth our eternal soul.
Judas felt remorse, but he did not seek restoration from Christ. Peter also sinned by denying Jesus but repented and was restored (John 21:15–17). Judas isolated himself in shame; Peter ran to Jesus in brokenness.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
The story of Akeldama warns us that our choices carry consequences some that echo even after we’re gone. Let us live with integrity, honor God in secret and in public, and never trade His presence for fleeting gain.
May the Lord Jesus help us to walk in humility and wisdom.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
THE ROLE OF ANGEL MICHAEL FOR GOD’S PEOPLE.
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we deepen our understanding of the Word of God.
Today, we will study the Archangel Michael.
The Bible outlines three primary categories of angels, each with distinct roles:
Angels of Worship – These include the Seraphim and Cherubim, seen in passages such as:
Isaiah 6:2-3 (Seraphim):“Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings… And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!’”
Ezekiel 10:1-2 (Cherubim):“And He spoke to the man clothed with linen, and said, ‘Go in among the wheels, under the cherub, fill your hands with coals of fire…’”
Messengers – Angels like Gabriel, who deliver divine messages.
Luke 1:26-28: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth…”Daniel 8:16 & 9:21: Gabriel interprets visions and delivers messages.
Luke 1:26-28:
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth…”Daniel 8:16 & 9:21: Gabriel interprets visions and delivers messages.
Warrior Angels – These include Michael, whose role is to wage spiritual warfare on behalf of God’s people.
Some traditions suggest that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ. However, scripture distinguishes between the two:
Jesus is the Son of God, part of the Trinity, worshiped by angels:
Hebrews 1:5-6:“For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’? … Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
Michael is called the archangel (chief angel), a created being:
Jude 1:9: “Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses…”
Jude 1:9:
“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses…”
Therefore, Michael is not Jesus, but a powerful angel appointed by God.
Michael fights for the nation of Israel and the Church (spiritual Israel).
Daniel 10:21 (NKJV):“…But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.)”
Daniel 12:1:“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people…”
Michael is described as the protector of Israel, but his role also extends to the spiritual body of Christ—the Church (Galatians 6:16 refers to the Church as the “Israel of God”).
Michael does not engage in physical warfare but fights through legal, spiritual arguments in the heavenly court.
Revelation 12:10:“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength… have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’”
The Greek word for “devil” is diabolos, meaning “accuser” or “slanderer.” Satan continuously brings charges against the saints before God, just as he did with Job:
Job 1:9-11:“So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? … But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’”
In contrast, Michael and other holy angels bring forth righteous testimonies on behalf of the saints. They advocate for us in spiritual proceedings before the throne of God.
Jude 1:9:“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses… said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”
After Moses died, Satan tried to claim his body—possibly arguing that Moses’ sin (Numbers 20:12) disqualified him. But Michael opposed him, likely with righteous testimony of Moses’ faith and service, and God Himself buried Moses in secret (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), to prevent idolatry.
This incident shows us that spiritual warfare involves legal battles in the heavenly realm, not just human effort.If you say you have accepted Christ, but continue in sin (e.g., fornication, gossip, drunkenness, theft, or violence), know that Satan uses those very acts to accuse you before God.
But when you live in obedience, Satan has no grounds for accusation. Instead, Michael and his hosts present your good works before God.
Matthew 18:10:“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
2 Peter 2:11:“…whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.”
Angels never accuse the saints—they intercede and protect us in spiritual matters.Have you truly repented and forsaken sin?Have you left behind immorality, theft, slander, drunkenness, and hatred?
If not, these are the very things that accuse you before God.
God is calling you to sincere repentance. The grace of Jesus Christ is available, but He demands a changed life.
Romans 6:1-2:“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)
Anyone who is truly saved will inevitably be called by the Lord into some form of ministry. This could be as a pastor, evangelist, teacher, singer, deacon, or even as a writer, gardener, program coordinator, or church secretary—as long as the role serves God’s church.
While ministry brings joy and eternal reward, the reality is that no ministry God entrusts to you will be as easy as it may seem. The struggles faced by the apostles will also confront you—and even those who serve after you.
Here are some of the pains you may encounter:
2 Timothy 4:10 – “For Demas has forsaken me, loving this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.”
Imagine the Apostle Paul at the peak of his ministry, only for a dear coworker to suddenly leave him. How would that feel? It’s far better if someone leaves to serve elsewhere, but to leave because of worldly desires is heartbreaking. Between 2016–2018, we experienced this with a close friend: despite years of shared ministry goals, the friend suddenly cut off communication and blocked us entirely.
Theological insight: Being forsaken is a trial in ministry, yet God uses it to teach perseverance (James 1:2-4). Don’t let the actions of others discourage you from serving.
Paul warns Timothy not to be disheartened if he finds himself alone:2 Timothy 4:9-12 – “Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas has forsaken me, loving this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.”
Even the Apostle Paul experienced loneliness despite having been surrounded by a large ministry team. At times, only a few faithful companions remain. This is temporary; God uses these seasons to strengthen our reliance on Him.
Theological insight: Seasons of solitude are opportunities to deepen intimacy with Christ (Psalm 27:10; Isaiah 41:10).
Even successful ministry can experience division, as seen with Paul and Barnabas:
Acts 15:36-39 – “After some days, Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are.’ Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul did not. There arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas.”
Conflict may arise over ministry strategy or personal expectations. These moments test patience, humility, and faith in God’s sovereign plan.
Theological insight: God uses conflicts to refine character and build maturity in ministry leaders (Romans 5:3-5).
2 Timothy 4:13-15 – “The cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, bring with you, and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.”
No matter how much good you do, opposition is inevitable. Even Paul faced adversaries like Alexander the coppersmith. Opposition is not a sign that God has abandoned you; it is part of the cost of faithful service.
Theological insight: Persecution and opposition refine faith and produce endurance (1 Peter 4:12-14).
Jesus Himself was misunderstood by those who expected a political Messiah
:Matthew 11:6 – “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Similarly, Paul was underestimated by many:
2 Corinthians 10:10 – “For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive, and his speaking amounts to nothing.’”
Expect that people may misjudge your character or ministry methods. Do not let this derail your calling.
Theological insight: God’s approval is paramount, not human recognition (Galatians 1:10).
Even faithful servants experience scarcity. Paul instructed Timothy to bring his cloak for warmth:
Philippians 4:11-13 – “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Shortages are allowed by God to teach dependence and contentment in Him.
Ministry does not exempt one from physical suffering. Timothy and Epaphroditus experienced illness due to ministry demands (Philippians 2:25-27). Likewise, Elisha died after prolonged sickness.
Theological insight: Suffering in ministry is a participation in Christ’s own sufferings (2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 1:29). It is temporary and God provides restoration.
If you internalize these realities, your ministry will be marked by perseverance rather than discouragement. Ministry is challenging, but the eternal reward surpasses temporary trials:
Revelation 3:11 – “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
Stay steadfast. God bless you. Shalom.