Where does the Bible first mention saints?

Answer 1

The word saint(s) is first used in Deuteronomy:

Deu 33:2 And he said: "The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came with ten thousands of saints; From His right hand Came a fiery law for them.

Here it is used to speak of angels - "holy angels, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, and so Jarchi;" - Gill's commentary of the whole Bible.

Other places in the Old Testament the word is used of people.

In the New Testament the Apostle Paul calls all believers in Christ saints. The word is not applied merely to persons of exceptional holiness, or to those who, having died, were characterized by exceptional acts of "saintliness." For example:

Php 4:21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Rom 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many churches recognise "holy" people as saints but this is not Biblical usage of the word or a Biblical concept.