"Saints" in the New Testament

[pjohns]

We sometimes characterize people as "saints"--typically meaning that we consider them to be unusually good--but that seems like a rather strained--and strange--definition of the word.

The Greek word translated "saints" is hagios. Basically, it means holy. And when used as a noun (rather than an adjective) it means holy ones--i.e. saints.

(It is from this word that we derive the word hagiography--the study of saints--although "saints" is used in a much too constricted sense here, I think.)

Actually, the word is never used to describe a special class of Christians. Rather, it seems to be a synonym for the word "Christians" (which appears only three times in the entire New Testament).

I think it is unfortunate that we use this term in a sense that is entirely foreign to its usage in the New Testament.

[MMC]

We sometimes characterize people as "saints"--typically meaning that we consider them to be unusually good--but that seems like a rather strained--and strange--definition of the word.

The Greek word translated "saints" is hagios. Basically, it means holy. And when used as a noun (rather than an adjective) it means holy ones--i.e. saints.

(It is from this word that we derive the word hagiography--the study of saints--although "saints" is used in a much too constricted sense here, I think.)

Actually, the word is never used to describe a special class of Christians. Rather, it seems to be a synonym for the word "Christians" (which appears only three times in the entire New Testament).

I think it is unfortunate that we use this term in a sense that is entirely foreign to its usage in the New Testament.

Yeah!

[Mister D]

The veneration of holy men and martyrs is older than the bible but "saint" and "Saint" are not the same thing. The latter has its origin in the Catholic Church's attempt to formalize and regulate the practice.

[roadmaster]

It appears more than three times in the NT, it always refers to people who believe on the LORD. A few examples

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I could go on,

[RMNIXON]

The veneration of holy men and martyrs is older than the bible but "saint" and "Saint" are not the same thing. The latter has its origin in the Catholic Church's attempt to formalize and regulate the practice.

And also to lay the groundwork of Catholic Church authority in such matters as Sainthood.

[roadmaster]

I am a Baptist but Catholics need to be bold.

They need to stand on the word of God And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

When will you stand for the Word of God.