One question that often comes up in discussions about Christianity is: “If the Catholic Church is biblical, why isn’t the word ‘Catholic’ directly written in the Bible?” It’s a fair question, especially since many people expect important Christian terms to appear word-for-word in Scripture.
While the word “Catholic” itself does not appear directly in the Bible, the term has been used by Christians since the early centuries of Christianity. The word means “universal,” and Catholics believe the idea of a united, worldwide Church can be seen throughout both Scripture and early Christian history.
Where Did the Word "Catholic" Come From?
The term comes from the Greek word katholikos, which means "universal" or "according to the whole."
Early Christians began using the word to describe the united Christian Church, especially as different groups and teachings started appearing in various places.
Some early historical references include:
- St. Ignatius of Antioch (around 110 AD): One of the earliest known writers to use the term "Catholic Church." He wrote, "Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
- The Martyrdom of Polycarp (around 156 AD): This early Christian text refers to Polycarp as a bishop of the Catholic Church.
- The Muratorian Canon (late 2nd century): An early list of Christian writings that mentions texts recognized by the Catholic Church.
Catholic Beliefs and the Bible
Although the specific word "Catholic" is not written in Scripture, Catholics believe many teachings connected to the Church are found throughout the New Testament.
- The Church as One Body: In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, St. Paul describes believers as one body with many parts, reflecting the idea of a united and universal Church.
- The Role of Peter: In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Peter, "On this rock I will build my Church." Catholics believe this passage supports the leadership role given to Peter.
- The Eucharist: In John 6, Jesus speaks about being the Bread of Life. Catholics connect this chapter to belief in the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Christ.
- The Sacraments: Catholics believe passages such as Matthew 28:19 provide the biblical foundation for practices like Baptism and the other sacraments.
The Catholic Bible
The Catholic Bible contains several books that are not included in most Protestant Bibles. These are called the Deuterocanonical books and include writings such as Tobit, Judith, and Maccabees.
Catholics have traditionally accepted these books as part of Scripture, and they continue to be included in Catholic Bibles today.
Final Thoughts
Although the word “Catholic” does not appear directly in the Bible, the idea of a universal and united Church has existed since the earliest days of Christianity. Both Scripture and early Christian writings show how believers understood the Church as one community of faith spread throughout the world.
- USCCB. (n.d.). Books of the Bible [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://bible.usccb.org/bible
- Catholic Answers. (2018, November 19). Scripture and tradition [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.catholic.com/tract/scripture-and-tradition
- Sayler, M. H. (n.d.). Catholic and protestant bibles: What is the difference? [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/controversy/common-misconceptions/catholic-and-protestant-bibles-what-is-the-difference.html
- Reichert, B. (2023, October 11). What Bible do catholics use and why is it different from the protestant Bible? [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-bible-do-catholics-use.html
- Catholic Answers. (2018, November 19). What the early church believed: The meaning of "Catholic" [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.catholic.com/tract/what-catholic-means
- Catholic Forum. (n.d.). Help! - where is the word Catholic in the Bible? [Forum]. Retrieved from https://www.catholicforum.com/forums/showthread.php?48595-Help!-where-is-the-word-CATHOLIC-in-the-bible
- Catholicism WOW! — Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish. (n.d.). Catholic (tint).png [Creative]. Retrieved from https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58953f47ff7c50370b78ae15/1561089695740-ZMUKM7W5HMWWQC86KY6X/catholic+%28tint%29.png
