Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SAINTS

In biblical usage not restricted to specially holy individuals, but a term for the people of God in both the OT and NT (e.g., Ps. 31:23[MT 24]; Eph. 1:1, 15; 2 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 5:9; 18:20). They are called God’s “holy ones” (Heb. qĕḏôšîm, Ps. 16:3; 34:9[10]) or “faithful ones” (ḥăsîḏîm, 30:4[5]; 85:8[9]; 145:10). They rejoice in God’s goodness and trust in his care (2 Chr. 6:41; Prov. 2:8). Their death is precious “in the sight of the Lord” (Ps. 116:15).

The NT frequently speaks of “saints” (Gk. hágioi). Matthew notes that after Christ’s resurrection “many bodies of the saints” who had died were raised (Matt. 27:52). Ananias protests against helping Saul of Tarsus, for he has heard of his persecution of the “saints” in Jerusalem (i.e., Christians, Acts 9:13; cf. 26:10); 9:32, 41 mention “saints” living in Lydda and Joppa who are “believers.” Similarly, Paul refers to Christians (1 Cor. 6:1-2; Phil. 4:21-22; Phlm. 5, 7), who are “called to be saints” (Rom. 1:7), addressing Christian communities as “all the saints” (2 Cor. 1:1; 1 Thess. 3:13; Phil. 1:1; cf. Col. 1:4; Eph. 3:8, 18). Sometimes they need help (Rom. 8:27; 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1, 12); sometimes they give it (Rom. 12:13; 15:25-31; 1 Cor. 16:1, 15; cf. Heb. 6:10). Saints prepare for Christ’s coming (1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:10).

Colossians views Christians sharing “the inheritance of the saints in light,” and notes the christocentric mystery as something revealed to the “saints” (Col. 1:12, 26-27; cf. Eph. 1:18). Ephesians highlights equipping the saints “for the work of ministry” and calls for vigilance in Christian living and intercessory prayer (Eph. 4:12; 5:3; 6:18). In the Pastorals church-supported widows are expected to wash the “feet of the saints” (1 Tim. 5:10). Christianity was “once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). In Revelation the “saints” are persecuted Christians (Rev. 13:7, 10; 14:12; 16:6; 17:6; 18:24) who pray to remain faithful (note “the prayers of the saints,” Rev. 5:8; 8:3, 4). The Apocalypse closes with a benediction for “all the saints” (Rev. 22:21).

Allison A. Trites

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SAINTS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)