Bible Dictionaries
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Catholic
This term is Greek, signifying universal or general. The church of Christ is called catholic, because it extends throughout the world, and during all time. In modern times the church of Rome has usurped this title, improperly applying it exclusively to itself.
The "Catholic epistles" are seven, so called because they were addressed to the church or Christians in general, and not to any particular church. They are, one epistle of James, two of Peter, three of John, and one of Jude.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of the topics are from American Tract Society Bible Dictionary published in 1859.
Bibliography Information
Rand, W. W. Entry for 'Catholic'. American Tract Society Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ats/c/catholic.html. 1859.