What does "Communion of the Saints" mean?

Definition and Origin

The phrase “Communion of the Saints” commonly appears in historic Christian statements of faith and is deeply rooted in Scripture. The term “communion” comes from the Greek word “koinōnia,” often translated as “fellowship” or “sharing.” The word “saints” denotes believers set apart by God (cf. Romans 1:7). Together, this phrase describes the deep spiritual connection believers share with one another in Christ. Early Christian writings, such as the Apostles’ Creed, encompassed this concept to express believers’ unity across time and space.

Biblical Foundations

In 1 Corinthians 10:16 it says, “Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” The word “participation” here is closely related to fellowship: it signifies the bond among those who trust in Christ.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12:27 states, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” Each follower is interconnected like parts of one body, illustrating a collective sharing in spiritual life. Ephesians 2:19 also underscores this collective identity: “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.”

Unity in Christ

This communion is made possible through a shared relationship with Christ. Because He is the foundation of faith, those who believe become, in a spiritual sense, part of one another. Romans 12:5 teaches that “so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.” The bond goes beyond mere human agreement. It is forged by the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Throughout many centuries, believers have attested to supernatural workings that unify them, as affirmed by the worldwide continuity of the Christian faith. Archaeological discoveries, such as the inscriptions in the Roman catacombs, reveal that from the earliest periods, Christians identified themselves as a united body bound by the hope of Christ’s resurrection. These findings reinforce that believers saw themselves as part of one “communion,” supporting the consistent message found in Scripture.

Practical Implications

1. Mutual Edification: Believers are called to encourage and uplift one another. Hebrews 10:24–25 states, “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another…” The communion practiced in worship, prayer, and fellowship gatherings sustains, corrects, and brings spiritual growth.

2. Corporate Worship: Togetherness is most evident when believers assemble to pray, sing, and hear the Word of God. This unites hearts in adoration of God and affirms the unity fostered by the Holy Spirit.

3. Service and Practical Care: Communion of the Saints calls for meeting practical needs. Donations, acts of mercy, and sharing of resources are Christian traditions deeply rooted in the earliest church (Acts 2:44–45). This tangible expression of fellowship testifies to the world about the transformative power of Christ’s love.

Communion Extending Beyond This Life

A central component of “Communion of the Saints” is the understanding that it encompasses ages past, present, and future. Believers who have departed this life are not lost from the fellowship; those who follow Christ anticipate an ultimate reunion at the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This hope is tied inseparably to the biblical cornerstone of Christ’s own resurrection, which assures that death does not sever the bond among redeemed believers.

Historical Validation

Artifacts, early church writings, and widespread manuscript evidence confirm the early Christians’ consistent belief in a unified people of God. The existence of codex fragments (such as P46) and the meticulous transmission of the epistles demonstrate how believers preserved teachings that instructed them to live in mutual bond. These documents, found in pursuits like the Oxyrhynchus Papyri, corroborate that from the start, the idea of being one body was a non-negotiable aspect of Christian faith.

Additionally, the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection, which is central to the Communion of the Saints, stands affirmed by multiple lines of documented evidence: the early creed of 1 Corinthians 15:3–7, the multiple attestations of eyewitnesses, and the enduring transformation within early Christian communities. This resurrection is the anchor of their unity: people scattered across diverse cultures embraced a common hope and family identity.

Conclusion

“Communion of the Saints” signifies the collective unity of all genuine believers in Christ, joined by the Holy Spirit, fully realized through love, worship, service, and eternal hope. It transcends historical eras and physical boundaries, finding its center on Christ’s work at the cross and His victory over death. This unbreakable bond provides spiritual sustenance, shared identity, and purpose, reflecting God’s design that those who trust in Him share both fellowship here and forevermore.