Acts 2:22

²² “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs ….

Jesus was called “Jesus of Nazareth” because Nazareth was the town where He grew up and lived most of His earthly life. In the ancient world, people were often identified by their hometown rather than a last name.

Here are the key reasons:

1. Nazareth identified His earthly origin

Even though Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matt. 2:1), He was raised in Nazareth (Matt. 2:22–23). So people naturally called Him by the place where He lived:

• “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?” (John 6:42)
• “Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God…” (Acts 2:22)

2. It fulfilled prophecy

Matthew says that Jesus dwelling in Nazareth fulfilled what the prophets spoke:

“He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matt. 2:23)

“Nazarene” was likely a prophetic way of saying He would be despised, because Nazareth was considered insignificant and looked down upon (John 1:46).

3. It was a title that showed His humility

Jesus being from Nazareth—an obscure village—showed that the Messiah came in humility and not worldly glory.

People often mocked the idea of a prophet coming from Nazareth:

• “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46)

His identity as “Jesus of Nazareth” highlighted His lowly, humble beginnings.

4. It became a powerful early Christian identification

After His resurrection and ascension, the early church boldly proclaimed His identity as:

• “Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 2:22; 3:6; 4:10; 10:38)

Even the demons recognized His authority with that title (Mark 1:24).

Today if you allow Jesus Christ to grow in you, Jesus will be called by your name. Jesus of Rob, Jesus of Jessica or Jesus of whatever your name is. You see, Jesus chose an insignificant place like Nazareth when He was growing up. In your sight you might think you are an insignificant person but if you allow Jesus to come into your life, then in the eyes of God you have become the most significant person.

That insignificant town of Nazareth has become the most prominent city because of Jesus Christ. The people living during that time identified Jesus as Jesus of Nazareth. The Son of God chose that town to grow up. Today, He wants to chose you.

You will become the most valuable person in the kingdom of God. But you must first allow Jesus to grow in you to the utmost level. As John the Baptist in John 3:30 declares, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

We must humble ourselves before the Lord. As James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!