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The concept of "church" in the New Testament translates the Greek word ecclesia, which signifies an assembly or gathering [1]. This term is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal from the Old Testament [1]. While in post-apostolic times "church" came to refer to a physical place of worship, its New Testament usage primarily denotes a gathering of people [1]. Similarly, the term "synagogue," which Jesus frequented for teaching, refers to a house of local worship that became common after the Babylonian captivity [11]. The word "Asuppim" also means "gatherings" [2].
The New Testament frequently describes the church as the "body of Christ," emphasizing unity and interdependence among believers [3, 6]. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, illustrates this by explaining that just as a physical body has many different parts with distinct functions, the church is composed of many members, each with a unique role determined by God [3, 4]. Despite these differences in function and gifting, all members are united and form one complete body [4, 8]. This unity means that no single member can be considered expendable, as each contributes to the perfection of the whole [4]. Harmony and mutual care among church members are essential for this unified body to function properly [7].
This unity in Christ transcends social and ethnic distinctions. Paul states in Galatians that in Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free, emphasizing that all come to Christ and receive God's promises in the same way [6]. This creates a single community of believers, the body of Christ [6]. Colossians further reinforces this, stating that because Christ is one, there can only be one body of Christ, and allegiance to Jesus as Lord should overcome differences, leading to peaceful relationships [5].
The church is also depicted as a spiritual house or temple where God dwells [9]. Gentile and Jewish Christians, joined together in Christ, become a holy temple for the Lord, signifying God's presence among His people [9]. This imagery highlights the sacred nature of the gathered community.
Believers are encouraged to seek the Lord, particularly during times when He may be found, such as during the external ministry of the word and on designated days of worship [10]. The concept of gathering extends to welcoming new members, including "strangers" or Gentiles, into the community. These individuals are to be readily admitted into the church, given a place, and allowed to partake in all church privileges and immunities [12]. This inclusion signifies that they are no longer foreigners but part of God's household, enjoying the benefits of the Gospel church [13].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Church — Derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., "the Lord's house"), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship. In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament, both words meaning simply an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it early received this meaning. Nor is this word ever us”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Asuppim — gatherings”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 55:6: Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,.... The Lord is to be sought unto at all times, whenever the people of God meet together, especially on sabbath days, and while the external ministry of the word lasts, and life itself; so the Targum, "seek the fear of the Lord, while ye are alive.'' Kimchi compares it with Ecc 9:10. The Jewish writers, as Aben Ezra and others, generally interpret it before the sealing of the decree, or before the decree is gone forth. It may be understood of place, as well as time, and be rendered, "seek the Lord in the place where he may b”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 4:23: And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues--These were houses of local worship. It cannot be proved that they existed before the Babylonish captivity; but as they began to be erected soon after it, probably the idea was suggested by the religious inconveniences to which the captives had been subjected. In our Lord's time, the rule was to have one wherever ten learned men or professed students of the law resided; and they extended to Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, and most places of the dispersion. The larger towns had several, and in J”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 47:23: And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth,.... Whatsoever particular congregation or church these strangers and sojourners (as all the Lord's people are in this world, and even in their church state), or those Gentiles before described, shall be nearest unto, and to which they shall propose themselves for communion, they shall be readily admitted: there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord God; allow him a name and a place; put him in the possession of all church privileges and immunities; look upon him as a member, a broth”
- Zechariah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Zechariah 8:7: And l will bring them,.... To Zion, into the church of God, the Gospel fold, where Christ has engaged to bring his other sheep, that there may be one fold for Jew and Gentile, Jer 3:14 Joh 10:16, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: the Gospel church; and be no more foreigners and strangers, but of the household of God, enjoying all the immunities and privileges of the Jerusalem that is above, the mother of us all: and they shall be my people; appear to be so by effectual calling; which makes those manifest to be the people of God, to be in the covena”