Saints and Faithful

ATo the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph.1:1).

Paul identifies them as Asaints.@ This is the Greek word hagiois which means, Aholy@ or Aseparated.@ AThe primary intent of the word is >set aside for the sole use of God, that which belongs to God=@ (J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible: Ephesians, 19).

All believers are Asaints.@ Paul says in Romans 1:1, ATo all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.@ He said to the church at Corinth in his first letter: ATo the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours@ (1 Cor.1:2). He said in his second letter to the Corinthians: ATo the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia@ (2 Cor.1:1). When he wrote his letter to the Philippians, he said in Philippians 1:1, APaul and Timothy, bond‑servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.@ To the Colossians he wrote, ATo the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father@ (Col.1:2).

Paul also identifies them as Afaithful in Christ Jesus.” The word Afaithful@ (pistois) signifies Abelieving, trusting, relying@ (Vines). AFrom God=s side believers are those whom He has made holy, which is the meaning of saints. From man=s side believers are those who are faithful, those who have trusted in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior@ (John MacArthur, Ephesians, 2). Oliver Greene says, A>Faithful= is the description of the believers when he lives the kind of life that every saint of God should live@ (Ephesians, 16). So, this is another word for a believer who is described Aas a >saint@ and one who is Afaithful in Christ Jesus.@ What are you?