Who was the first saint in the Bible?

The word “saint” conjures images of holy men and women recognized for their extraordinary faith and devotion. In modern religious traditions, saints are venerated as models of virtue and intercessors before God. But who was the first saint in the Bible? The answer to this question depends on how one defines “saint,” since the term has evolved in meaning over centuries. This post explores the biblical origins of sainthood, examines the earliest individuals described as saints, and discusses their significance in the grand story of faith.

Defining a Saint: Biblical Perspective

The term “saint” comes from the Latin “sanctus,” meaning holy or set apart. In the Bible, especially the New Testament, “saints” refers to all those who are set apart for God—believers who strive to live according to God’s will. The word appears numerous times in the letters of Paul, where he addresses entire congregations as “saints.” For example, in Ephesians 1:1, Paul writes, “To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” In this context, sainthood is not reserved for a select few but granted to all who belong to God’s people.

Old Testament Figures: Holy Individuals

If we look for individuals in the Old Testament who embodied holiness, several names stand out: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others. Each displayed remarkable faithfulness and obedience to God. Among these, Enoch is especially noteworthy. In Genesis 5:24, it is written, “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Enoch’s close relationship with God and his mysterious departure from earth have led some traditions to consider him one of the earliest saints.

New Testament Usage: Saints as a Community

In the New Testament, the concept shifts from individual holiness to a collective identity. Early Christians are repeatedly called “saints” (Greek: hagioi) in Paul’s letters. This reflects the belief that all who follow Christ are sanctified. For instance, Romans 1:7 reads, “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.” Here, sainthood is a status conferred by faith, not by extraordinary deeds alone.

The First Saint? Examining the Candidates

If we seek the first person called a “saint” in the Bible, it is important to note that the Old Testament does not use the term as it is found in the New Testament. The earliest explicit references are in the New Testament letters. However, if we interpret “saint” as the first person to be recognized for exceptional holiness and relationship with God, Enoch and Abel are strong candidates from the Old Testament. Hebrews 11, known as the “Faith Hall of Fame,” highlights Abel as the first to offer a pleasing sacrifice to God, and Enoch as someone who pleased God so much that he was taken to heaven without dying.

Conclusion: Sainthood as a Journey of Faith

In summary, the Bible does not designate a single individual as the very first “saint” in the way later tradition might. The earliest saints, according to the New Testament, were Christian believers as a whole. In the Old Testament, figures like Enoch and Abel stand out as early models of holiness and faith. Ultimately, the concept of sainthood in the Bible is less about titles and more about a life lived in faithfulness to God. Whether by extraordinary deeds or simple obedience, the journey of the saints begins with a heart turned toward the divine.