Refers to a holy person in Christianity, often a canonized saint. Compare 聖人, which can be broader (including non-Christian sages).
See also: 聖人
Saint Paul is venerated as a Christian saint.
The early Christians endured persecution while keeping their faith.
Compound of 聖 (holy, sacred) and 徒 (follower, disciple). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is used in Christian contexts to denote saints or believers.