Saints
Many people today associate the word "saints" with historical figures or specific individuals who have been canonized by a religious institution. This modern understanding often overlooks the original context in which the term was used in ancient times. Exploring the history of this word reveals a significant shift in its application and meaning.
Modern Interpretation
The Cambridge Dictionary defines "Saints" as follows:
(the title given to) a person who has received an official honor from the Christian, especially the Roman Catholic, Church for having lived in a good and holy way. The names of saints are sometimes used to name places and buildings:
- Saint Peter
- St. Andrew's school
- Saint Paul's Cathedral
According to this definition, a church leadership determines who receives this special title. This implies that sainthood is a status granted by human authorities based on a person's life and deeds.
Biblical Origin
At the time when the book of Matthew and the epistles of Paul were written, the modern church systems did not exist. No official titles were handed out to Christians. The original Greek word that was translated to "saint" is hagios.
| [Strong's Concordance]https://biblehub.com/greek/40.htm | |
|---|---|
| Original Word | ἅγιος |
| Part of Speech | Adjective |
| Transliteration | hagios |
| Pronunciation | HA-gee-os |
| Phonetic Spelling | (hag'-ee-os) |
| Definition | Holy, sacred |
| Meaning | Holy |
In the New Testament, the term was used to refer to all believers. Paul addressed his letters to the entire community of believers as saints. For example, he wrote to all those in Rome who were loved by God and called to be saints (Romans 1:7). He also addressed the church of God in Corinth as those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). Similar greetings appear in his letters to the Ephesians and the Philippians (Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1).
Historical Development
No church has the right to choose what is "holy". It is God who determines what or whom are set apart for Him. The biblical evidence suggests that every person who follows Christ is considered a saint in God's eyes. They are called to be holy because they belong to Him. Over time, the term became more exclusive and eventually it was reserved for individuals who were officially recognized by church authorities.
Conclusion
The term "saints" originally described all who were set apart by God. It was not a title for a select few but a description of the identity of all believers. This identity is rooted in being called by God rather than being honored by men. Therefore, holiness is a gift from God for all who follow Him.