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Victor starts the discussion by posing a question regarding why Paul does not refer to the believers in Galatia as saints in his letter, unlike in his other letters where he typically uses the term “saints” in his salutations. Instead, he uses the term “church” or “churches.” Victor notes that this raises questions about whether Paul’s omission was intentional or related to the Galatians’ legalism.
He explains that Galatians, written around 48-49 AD, was one of Paul’s earliest letters, and subsequently, he wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians in 50 AD, which also do not include the term “saints.” Victor highlights that in these three letters, Paul refers to the church but not to the saints.
In contrast, Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, written later, include both terms—“church” and “saints.” He describes how Paul emphasizes that the believers in Corinth are “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints,” showing a development in Paul’s language.
Victor then discusses the pattern in the remaining letters—Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians—where Paul exclusively addresses believers as saints and does not mention the church. This leads to Victor’s speculation about why Paul might prefer the term “saint” over “church.” He argues that using “saint” addresses individuals directly, avoiding the anonymity that comes with the term “church.”
Victor emphasizes that the theological implication of being called a saint is grounding one’s identity in Christ rather than in personal works. He states that sainthood is not based on good works but on the imputed righteousness of Christ. He recounts that acknowledging one’s sainthood is crucial for understanding one’s identity in Christ, allowing believers to live out their faith more effectively.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
Victor starts the discussion by posing a question regarding why Paul does not refer to the believers in Galatia as saints in his letter, unlike in his other letters where he typically uses the term “saints” in his salutations. Instead, he uses the term “church” or “churches.” Victor notes that this raises questions about whether Paul’s omission was intentional or related to the Galatians’ legalism.
He explains that Galatians, written around 48-49 AD, was one of Paul’s earliest letters, and subsequently, he wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians in 50 AD, which also do not include the term “saints.” Victor highlights that in these three letters, Paul refers to the church but not to the saints.
In contrast, Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, written later, include both terms—“church” and “saints.” He describes how Paul emphasizes that the believers in Corinth are “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints,” showing a development in Paul’s language.
Victor then discusses the pattern in the remaining letters—Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians—where Paul exclusively addresses believers as saints and does not mention the church. This leads to Victor’s speculation about why Paul might prefer the term “saint” over “church.” He argues that using “saint” addresses individuals directly, avoiding the anonymity that comes with the term “church.”
Victor emphasizes that the theological implication of being called a saint is grounding one’s identity in Christ rather than in personal works. He states that sainthood is not based on good works but on the imputed righteousness of Christ. He recounts that acknowledging one’s sainthood is crucial for understanding one’s identity in Christ, allowing believers to live out their faith more effectively.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
