Dear Catholic Exchange,
Why is the word “catholic” not in the Bible?
Ms. Figueroa
Dear Ms. Figueroa,
Peace in Christ!
First, I would like to explain the meaning of the word. The term “catholic” means universal. When used in reference to the Church that Jesus founded, it has a twofold meaning. One being that the Church exists everywhere that Christ Jesus is. Where He is present, His Church is made present. The other meaning is that Jesus instituted His Church and then issued the command that His Church be sent to the entire human race.
With this said, it can be seen that the concept of a “catholic” or universal Church is well-founded in Scripture, though the actual term was not ascribed to the Church of Christ until later. The first recorded, non-biblical use of the term was by St. Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrneans, written circa 110 A.D. (chapter 8, verse 2).
For a more thorough treatment of this topic, please refer to our Faith Fact on the four attributes of the Church founded by Christ.
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