What does the word 'Catholic' mean?

The word 'Catholic' comes from the Greek word 'Katholikos,' which means 'Universal.' It describes a Church meant for all people, in all places, and for all time.

Is the word 'Catholic' in the Bible?

While the exact word 'Catholic' is not directly written in the Bible, the idea of universality is found in passages such as Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.

When was the word 'Catholic' first used?

The earliest recorded use of the word 'Catholic' to describe the Church comes from St. Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the Smyrneans, written around 107 AD.

Real Meaning and Origin of the Word Catholic - Just Van

Front view of St. Peter's Basilica facade in Vatican City

Many people hear the word “Catholic” all the time, but few stop to ask what it actually means or where it originally came from. Some even assume it’s simply the name of a religion or denomination without realizing the word has a much older history rooted in early Christianity.

As I started looking deeper into the topic, I found that the word “Catholic” has been used by Christians for centuries to describe the universal nature of the Church and its mission to all people.

Based on research shared by Toby Kenobe from the Catechism of the Catholic Church Facebook Group, here are some interesting facts about the meaning, history, and early use of the word “Catholic.”

Question: Where did the word originate?

Answer: The word comes from the Greek term Katholikos, which was later translated into Latin as Catholicus.

For a more detailed explanation, you can also read: Meaning of the Term “Catholic” or What the Early Church Believed: The Meaning of “Catholic”.

Question: What does the word mean?

Answer: The word means "Universal." It refers to something that is complete, worldwide, and meant for everyone.

In the context of Christianity, it describes a Church for all people, in every place, and throughout all generations.

Question: Is it Biblical?

Answer: Yes. While the exact word "Catholic" does not appear directly in the Bible, the idea behind it can be found in Scripture.

One example is Matthew 28:19-20:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (NABRE)

This passage reflects the universal mission of the Church, which is the central meaning behind the word "Catholic."

Question: Was the word "Catholic" really used in the early Church?

Answer: Yes. One of the earliest recorded uses of the word appears in the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the Smyrneans written around 107 AD.

He wrote:

"Where the Bishop appears, there let the people be, just as where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."

This shows that the term was already being used by Christians very early in Church history.

Question: Did Emperor Constantine start the Catholic Church?

Answer: No. Catholics believe the Church was founded by Jesus Christ long before Constantine became emperor.

Constantine is mainly known for issuing the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which allowed Christians to practice their faith openly within the Roman Empire.

Catholics also point to passages like Matthew 28:20 and 1 Timothy 3:15 as support for the belief that the Church would continue through history as the pillar of truth.

The Apostles' Creed also includes the phrase:

"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

Some Christian groups replace the word "Catholic" with "Universal" when reciting the Creed, since the two terms share the same meaning.

The Catholic Church in History

Ignatius, Letter to the Smyrneans (106-107 AD)
Martyrdom of St. Polycarp (155 AD)
Clement of Alexandria, Stromateis (202 AD)
Cyprian, Unity of the Catholic Church (251 AD)
Lactantius, Divine Institutions (304 AD)
Athanasius, Letter on Council of Nicea (350 AD)
Augustine, Against the Letter of Mani (397 AD)
Fulgence of Ruspe, Forgiveness of Sins (517 AD)

Historical Evidence of Church Antiquity and Permanence

Antiquity: Early writings such as The Shepherd of Hermas and the Second Letter of Clement point to the Church’s ancient origins.
Perpetuity (Forever): Writers like Clement (80 AD) and Hilary of Poitiers (350 AD) wrote about the lasting nature of the Church.
Founding: Early Christian writers such as Irenaeus (180 AD) and Tertullian (200 AD) described the Church as being founded by Christ and the Apostles.
Seated in Rome: Historical records from Ignatius and the Council of Constantinople identify Rome as an important center of the Church.
Unity and Universality: The Didache and Justin Martyr (150 AD) described the Church as one united body spread throughout the world.

Final Thoughts

The word "Catholic" means far more than just the name of a church. Rooted in the Greek word for "Universal," it reflects the belief that the Christian faith is meant for all people everywhere.

From early Christian writings in 107 AD to biblical passages about spreading the Gospel to all nations, the term has long been connected to the Church’s universal mission and identity.

Source(s):

Kenobe, T. [@rtpinas999]. (2023, March 29). Catholic Films & Documentaries [Facebook Group]. Retrieved from https://web.facebook.com/groups/425055381680083/permalink/1417596945759250/?mibextid
Wallpapers13. (2016, June). Vatican city, a city state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Retrieved from https://www.wallpapers13.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Vatican-City-a-city-state-surrounded-by-Rome-Italy-is-the-headquarters-of-the-Roman-Catholic-Church-Desktop-Hd-Wallpaper-840x525.jpg

Posted by: Just Van

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