As you go about your daily life, you likely see many Christian symbols in architecture, on books, in hymnals, and especially decorating sanctuaries. We've covered why they're a pivotal part of worship already, but what about the symbols for saints and apostles? What makes them different from the other symbols? Why do we depict them separately? How can you determine who each one represents? Read more below from A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols to find out.
The men and women of biblical accounts have been depicted in sacred art from the time of the early church. The apostles, Mary (the mother of our Lord), and various other figures from Scripture were the first to show up in mosaics and frescoes. It soon became clear, however, that some sort of visual aid needed to be used to differentiate those figures from average citizens. The halo (nimbus) was introduced, but folks needed clues as to which figure was Peter and which was Paul, for instance. It didn’t help that there were several Marys.
How Are Saints Determined?
The Church of Rome developed criteria for determining who received the formal title of saint, including, but not limited to, the performance of two verifiable miracles and leading an exemplary life. The criteria were susceptible to change throughout history, but it has always been the pope who has the final say about sainthood. And it may be noted that not all “saints” thus labeled by the Roman Church led saintly lives. Their notoriety, however, has been so embedded in the history of the church that it would be unfair to omit them and foolish to ignore their existence.
All this was, of course, approached long after the death of the candidate, who was already enjoying the bliss of heaven. Lutherans eschewed such practice of openly declaring who deserved the title, preferring to defer judgment on those who did or did not meet these standards to the Lord God.
What did come out of all this was a vast trove of symbols used to identify historical figures of Christendom, some labeled as traditional standbys, others as regional favorites associated with specific cultures. Because of legends or attributes associated with individual saints, most became “patron saints,” to whom the masses would pray in a given situation.
This collection is only a fraction of any official roster of saints. Of course, we know the list is much longer than any that mankind has deemed worthy, and we look forward to the day when the veil is lifted and we see with our own eyes not only the entire host of heaven but our Lord’s face as well.
Commemoration dates are given for saints and generally coincide with their deaths, but those dates vary greatly between denominations. This is because Orthodox, Coptic, and Western Churches follow completely different calendars, and varying traditions surround each saint.
St. John the Apostle—Serpent in a Chalice
This son of Salome and Zebedee was one of the first disciples called by Christ and the only one of the Twelve who did not forsake Jesus and who witnessed His crucifixion. While given the symbolic eagle in his role as an evangelist, St. John’s symbol as an apostle is that of a serpent in a chalice. This stems from a legend in which he was challenged to drink a cup of poison to demonstrate the power of his faith. John is believed to be the longest-living apostle and the only one to die a natural death. His feast day is December 27.
St. Timothy—Club and Stones
Born in Lystra, St. Timothy replaced Barnabas on St. Paul’s second missionary journey and became his companion and friend. Timothy delivered Paul’s first letter to Corinth and traveled with Paul to Macedonia and Galatia, among other places. He may have been with Paul during his imprisonment at Caesarea and Rome. Paul wrote two letters to Timothy, which established the guidelines used today for the pastoral office. According to tradition, St. Timothy was the first bishop of Ephesus but was beaten and stoned to death for trying to disrupt a celebration to the pagan god Diana. His martyrdom is commemorated on January 24.
St. Mark the Evangelist—Winged Lion
A son of Mary (Acts 12:12) and cousin of the apostle Barnabas, Mark was closely associated with Paul and Peter, is thought to have been present when Paul was martyred, and is considered the founder of the church of Alexandria. Mark is held as one of Jesus’ seventy-two disciples and to be the young man who fled at Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:51–52). St. Ireneaus, who assigned the four living creatures described in the Revelation of St. John to the four evangelists, assigned the winged lion to Mark because he begins his Gospel with John the Baptist crying in the wilderness. That cry was likened to the roar of a lion. St. Mark is celebrated on April 25.
SS Peter and Paul—Gladius with Crossed Keys
It is common to speak of these two saints in the same breath because of their personal experiences with Jesus and their contribution to the early church and to the New Testament. Together they show us the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the sinner. They are commemorated on the same day. To symbolize them together, a gladius may be superimposed by crossed keys. In our example, the conspicuous cut of the keys is formed into patriarchal crosses.
St. Matthew the Apostle—Three Money Bags
In his role as despised-tax-collector-turned-beloved-apostle, Matthew is often symbolized by three money bags. Alternately, the manner of Matthew’s death is often alluded to with spear, battle axe, sword, and other implements, although such symbols are based on tradition and legend.
St. Luke the Evangelist—Painting Christ
A highly educated Gentile physician from Antioch, though perhaps a slave, Luke was a disciple of Paul and is credited with writing the book of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, recording several accounts that are not included elsewhere. Much of what we know about him is inferred from the New Testament, but it is commonly believed that he met Paul around the year AD 51 and traveled with him on several missionary journeys. Luke’s writings emphasize Christ’s compassionate forgiveness and mercy for sinners. Because the great sacrifice of the Old Testament was the ox, and because the Gospel of St. Luke revolves around the theme of sacrifice, the winged ox—one of the four living creatures mentioned in the Revelation of St. John—has become the symbol of St. Luke. Apart from his role as an evangelist, St. Luke is often shown painting, especially images of Christ. As such, he has become the patron saint of artists. He is celebrated on October 18.
Blog post excerpted from A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols © 2024 Edward Riojas, published by Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
For a book that is filled with Christian symbols and can teach you their history and significance, try A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols.
