Did You Know?
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
What is the Church?
Did you know that ‘Church’ is mentioned over 70 times in the Scriptures? How can one become part of the church? Who or what is this church as directed in the Scriptures? Is the church a building? How is it to be built? Does this church exist today? How do believers interact with the church? Let’s take a closer look at the Scriptures to see what it says concerning the church?
What is the definition of the church as noted in the dictionary? “A church is a building for public worship and can also refer to an organised body of religious believers. It encompasses both the physical structure where services are held and the community of individuals who practice the Christian faith”.
The word church comes from the Greek word Ekklesia, meaning church. This word church was never mentioned in Hebrew. The word church is the English translation of Ekklesia. The word church is first mentioned in Matthew chapter 16 and verse 18 “And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. In Hebrew the word used is assembly of believers.
In Matthew chapter 18 and verse 17 the church is not the building, but the people “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church, but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican”. Acts chapter 2 and verses 46 and 47 says “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. They ate meals together from house to house and giving thanks for what God was doing for them, by adding more people to the assembly of believers (adding to the church).
More clarity as to the church, is mentioned in Acts chapter 8 and verses 1 and 3 “...And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house and haling men and women committed them to prison”. Acts chapter 11 and verses 22, 25 and 26 states “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul. When he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. It came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch”. Church in these verses refer to the believers. (Saul is the same person, Paul)
In Romans chapter 16 and verse 5 it shows “Likewise greet the church that is in their house...”. 1st Corinthians chapter 1 and verse 2 states “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord...”. 1st Corinthians chapter 10 and verse 32 says “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the gentiles, nor to the church of God”. Also in 1st Corinthians chapter 11 and verse 18 it says “For first of all, when ye came together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you, and I partly believe it”.
The following text from 1st Corinthians chapter 16 and verse 19 clarifies that the church refers to the believers and they were not confined to large buildings. The church or believers met in houses too. “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house”. Also, Colossians chapter 4 and verses 15 and 16 repeats “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea”. Philemon chapter 1 and verse 2 affirms “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house”.
Ephesians chapter 3 and verse 9, 10 and 21 explains “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God...Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”.
Yeshua (Jesus) is the head of the church (believers). Ephesians chapter 5 and verse 23 says “...Christ is the head of the church, and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore the church is subject to Christ...”. This is also repeated in Colossians chapter 1 and verses 13 to 18 which clarifies “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son. In whom we have redemption through the blood, even the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and by him all things consist. He is the head of the body, the church...”.
Philippeans chapter 4 and verse 15 notes “Now ye Philippeans know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only”. Here again the church refers to the believers in Hebrews chapter 2 and verse 12 “Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praises unto thee”. Hebrews chapter 12 and verse 23 declares “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all...”.
1st Corinthians chapter 12 and verse 28 explains “God hath set some in the church, apostles, prophets, teachers, after that miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues”. (tongues is the same as languages). The church is the believer, and not a building. Believing in Yehovah (Jehovah or God) and his son, Yeshua (Jesus), then you are the church.
I hope you have learned more about the Scriptures. Next month I will look at ‘what is the Soul’.
If you would like to know more, contact Sandra 602 466 534.
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