Did Christ Start the Catholic Church? If so, where does the Bible say "Catholic"?

Go ahead and get your Bible out ... this is where you'll find it!

Is the "Catholic Church" Mentioned in Scripture?

Some may ask, "If Jesus started the Catholic Church, where does the Bible say “Catholic”? Well, at first glance, you might not see the word "Catholic" spelled out explicitly in the Bible. But let’s take a closer look—especially at Matthew 28:16-20. If you don’t see the word “Catholic,” read it again carefully. What you’ll find is that what makes the Church "Catholic" is not a title but its mission—a mission given by Christ Himself.

In Matthew 28:19-20, we read Jesus’ command to the apostles:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (RSVCE).

This passage outlines the very essence of the Church’s mission: to go to all nations, to baptize, and to teach. The word “Catholic” comes from the Greek word katolikos, which means "universal." The Church is Catholic because its mission is universal—it’s for everyone, everywhere, for all time. What makes the Church Catholic is not just its name but its mission to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all corners of the world.

The Meaning of "Catholic"

The term katolikos is a compound of two Greek words: kata (according to) and holos (whole). Together, they mean "according to the whole" or "universal." This universality reflects the mission Christ entrusted to the apostles: a mission that knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or ethnicity.

In the early days of Christianity, believers were often referred to as "the Way," as seen in Acts 9:2. This title emphasized the movement’s focus on following Jesus, who described Himself as "the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). But as the Church grew and spread, especially after the inclusion of Gentiles, it became necessary to distinguish the authentic Christian teachings passed down from the apostles and their successors from other groups or sects with differing doctrines.

When Did the Term "Catholic Church" Appear?

The first written record of the term "Catholic Church" appears in the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch around A.D. 110. In his letter to the Smyrnaeans, he states:

“Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”

St. Ignatius highlights the Church's unity and universality. Notably, his casual use of the term "Catholic" suggests it was already widely recognized to describe the Church that followed the apostles' teachings and was led by their successors, the bishops.

Why Was the Term Necessary?

As Christianity expanded, it became essential to distinguish the true Church from heretical groups that claimed to follow Christ but deviated from apostolic teaching. The title "Catholic" became a marker of orthodoxy—a way for Christians to identify where they could find the authentic teachings of Christ and His apostles. Early Church Fathers such as St. Irenaeus and St. Justin Martyr also used the term to emphasize the Church’s universality and keeping to apostolic tradition.

Similarly, St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) expounded on this universality in his Catechetical Lectures, explaining:

"The Church is called Catholic because it is spread throughout the whole world, from one end of the earth to the other."

St. Cyprian of Carthage (d. 258) also emphasized the unity and breadth of the Church, writing:

"The Church is one, which is spread abroad far and wide into a multitude by an increase of fruitfulness. As there are many rays of the sun, but one light, and many branches of a tree, but one strength based in its tenacious root, so the Church, although it extends its branches over the whole world, is still one light and one strength."

Thus, the "Catholic" identity of the Church, while not explicitly named in Scripture, is deeply rooted in the universal mission entrusted by Christ. The early Christians recognized this and proclaimed it boldly, helping us understand how the Church fulfills Christ's call to be "one body" (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) in all times and places.

Similarly, St. Augustine of Hippo (d. 430) defended the Catholic Church against heretical sects by pointing to its universality and continuity. He remarked:

“The Catholic Church is called Catholic not only because it is spread throughout the whole world, but also because it teaches universally and without omission all the doctrines which ought to come to men’s knowledge.”

These writings reflect the enduring understanding of the Church as universal and united in faith and practice.

The Church’s Catholic Mission and Orthodox Teaching

The Church founded by Christ is Catholic in its mission, encompassing all nations and peoples, and orthodox in its teaching, steadfastly preserving the truth handed down by the apostles. This commitment to universality and orthodoxy has defined the Church throughout history.

The Mission and the Name

While the title "Catholic" became formalized over time, the mission it signifies has always been present. From the moment Christ commissioned His apostles to "make disciples of all nations," the Church’s universal mission was established. The Church’s essence—its very identity—is rooted in this call to bring the saving message of Christ to all people, everywhere.

So, is the Catholic Church mentioned in Scripture? Absolutely—not in the form of a title but in its essence and mission. The Church is Catholic because it is universal, and it is universal because Christ’s mission is for all. As the early Christians understood, to be part of the Catholic Church was to be united with the bishops and the teachings handed down from the apostles, ensuring fidelity to Christ’s mission.

And finally, let me mention something about whether or not the word “Catholic” was capitalized in its earliest usage:

You might hear some non-Catholics argue that the word "Catholic" was not capitalized in the earliest appearances of the word, which is supposed to mean that the early Church was not really called “Catholic” as in a formal title. However, before writing a letter to the pope for an explanation, let me share the following: In ancient Greek and Latin texts, capitalization practices were not standardized. For instance, early manuscripts often lacked distinctions like uppercase and lowercase letters, using either all “majuscules” (capital letters) or “minuscules” (lowercase letters).

As a result, the presence or absence of capitalization in references to "Catholic" cannot by themselves determine whether it was used as a title or merely as an adjective. Context is the key to understanding its meaning. When St. Ignatius of Antioch stated, "Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church," the term clearly referred to the Church's universal nature and identity, regardless of how it might have been written typographically.

Thus, whether the term is capitalized or lowercase in translations, it consistently conveys the Church's universality, unity, and mission to be the body of Christ for all nations. And just in case you wonder if these early Christians were indeed, capital “C” Catholic? Just read the writings of the Early Church Fathers! You’ll not only see “Catholic” with a capital “C”, you will see the seven sacraments, priests, popes, the Eucharist, confession, devotions for Mary, and prayers for those who have died (purgatory).

References from the Catechism of the Catholic Church

• CCC 830-831: On the Church being Catholic (universal) in mission.

• CCC 857: Apostolic foundation of the Church.

• CCC 868: The Church’s call to universality and her mission to all.

• CCC 2044: Faithful witness to Christ in the universal mission of the Church.