### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κλητός (klētós) is an adjective derived from the verb καλέω (kaleō, to call) `{{G2564}}` and is closely related to the noun κλῆσις (klēsis, a calling or invitation) `{{G2821}}`. Its fundamental meaning denotes one who has been "called" or "invited." The passive voice inherent in κλητός is crucial, emphasizing an action initiated by an external agent, specifically God in the New Testament context. The semantic range extends from a general summons to a specific, divine appointment or selection. Theologically, it signifies those divinely chosen or summoned for a particular purpose, most notably for salvation and inclusion in the community of faith, moving beyond a mere human invitation to a status of being divinely "appointed" or "saint."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κλητός appears predominantly in the Pauline epistles, where it carries significant theological weight regarding divine initiative.
* **Romans 1:1**: Paul introduces himself as "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God." Here, κλητός emphasizes Paul's divine appointment and authorization directly from God, establishing the foundation of his apostolic authority. His apostleship is not self-proclaimed but divinely ordained.
* **Romans 1:6-7**: Paul extends this concept to the Roman believers, stating, "among whom you also are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people." This usage highlights a corporate calling, signifying that the believers' relationship with Christ and their status as "saints" (ἁγίοις) is a result of God's summons, not human merit or decision.
* **1 Corinthians 1:1**: Similar to Romans, Paul identifies himself as "Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God." This reiterates the divine will and initiative behind his ministry.
* **1 Corinthians 1:2**: Addressing the Corinthian church, Paul writes, "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people." Again, the term underscores the divine origin of their sanctified status and their identity as God's people. It is a declarative statement about their position in Christ, which then informs their conduct.
* **Jude 1:1**: Jude addresses his epistle "To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ." This usage confirms the divine initiative in the lives of all believers, linking their calling directly with God's love and preservation.
Across these occurrences, κλητός consistently emphasizes God's sovereign and effectual initiative in drawing individuals into relationship with Himself and appointing them for His purposes. It is not a human decision to "call" oneself, but a divine summons.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of κλητός is deepened by its relationship to several key biblical terms:
* **καλέω (kaleō)** `{{G2564}}`: The root verb, meaning "to call," "to invite," or "to summon." κλητός is the passive participle, meaning "one who has been called." The action of calling precedes the status of being called.
* **κλῆσις (klēsis)** `{{G2821}}`: The noun form, meaning "a calling," "an invitation," or "a summons." In the New Testament, it frequently refers to God's effectual call to salvation or to a specific divine purpose (e.g., "heavenly calling" in [[Hebrews 3:1]], "high calling" in [[Philippians 3:14]]). κλητός describes the recipient of this κλῆσις.
* **ἐκλεκτός (eklektos)** `{{G1588}}`: "Chosen" or "elect." While κλητός emphasizes the *act* of calling, ἐκλεκτός highlights the *state* of being chosen. The two concepts are often intertwined in Pauline theology, as those who are called are understood to be those who are chosen by God (cf. [[Matthew 22:14]], "For many are called, but few are chosen").
* **πρόγνωσις (prognosis)** `{{G4268}}`: "Foreknowledge." Romans 8:29-30 illustrates the divine sequence: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son... And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." Here, God's foreknowledge and predestination precede and inform His calling.
* **ἀπόστολος (apostolos)** `{{G652}}`: "Apostle." Paul's frequent self-identification as κλητὸς ἀπόστολος (a called apostle) underscores the divine origin and authority of his unique office, distinguishing it from human appointment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κλητός is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** The most critical implication of κλητός is God's absolute sovereignty and initiative in salvation and spiritual appointment. It unequivocally states that humanity does not initiate the relationship with God; rather, God graciously extends the call. This counters any notion that salvation is earned by human effort or is solely a human decision. It is a testament to divine grace.
* **Status and Identity:** For believers, being κλητός signifies a new and divinely conferred identity and status: "called to be saints" (κλητοῖς ἁγίοις). This is not a call *to become* holy through self-effort, but a recognition of a status *imparted by God* through union with Christ, which then leads to a life of practical holiness. It is a declarative truth about their position in Christ.
* **Purpose and Vocation:** The divine calling is always purposeful. For individuals like Paul, it was a specific vocational call to apostleship. For all believers, it is a call to belong to Christ, to be sanctified, and to live lives that reflect their new identity as God's people. It implies a divine purpose for one's existence within God's redemptive plan.
* **Assurance and Security:** The divine nature of the call provides immense assurance for the believer. If God Himself has initiated the call, then the foundation of faith is secure, rooted in His unchanging character, faithfulness, and eternal purpose. This call is effectual and leads to justification and glorification ([[Romans 8:30]]).
* **Contrast with Human Effort:** The term implicitly contrasts with human striving, self-appointment, or merit-based systems of religion. The call is from above, a sovereign and gracious act of God that establishes a relationship and confers a status that humanity could never achieve on its own.
### Summary
The Greek word κλητός (klētós) describes one who has been "called" or "invited," emphasizing a divine initiative. Derived from καλέω (kaleō, to call) and closely related to κλῆσις (klēsis, a calling), its primary theological import in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, is to designate those divinely summoned for a specific purpose (like Paul's apostleship) or, more broadly, for salvation and fellowship with Jesus Christ. This term profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty and gracious initiative in election and redemption, establishing the identity and status of believers as "called to be saints" (κλητοῖς ἁγίοις). This divine calling is not merely an invitation but an effectual summons that confers a new relationship and purpose, highlighting God's unmerited favor and the secure foundation of faith in His sovereign plan. It stands as a powerful testament to the truth that salvation originates entirely from God's gracious and powerful call.
TRV