The church, in the New Testament

Below are some occurrences of the word, church, in the New Testament, and also some actions of the early church.

I use the World English Bible, because it is public domain, and can be copied and distributed without violating copyright laws. It uses “assembly,” or variants of that word, rather than “church.”) The Greek word is ἐκκλησία, or, ecclesia. (The Wikipedia says that the title of Ecclesiastes is a Latin transliteration of the Greek translation of the Hebrew Kohelet, the pseudonym used by the author of the book. I can’t make sense out of the relationship, if any, between Ecclesiastes and the church.)

Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. (This is the first use of “church” in the New Testament. The last uses are in Revelation.)

Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. 18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly.

Acts 11:21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number [of gentiles] believed and turned to the Lord. 22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch, 23a who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad.

25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

12:5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.

13:2 As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”

14:21b they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch … 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. 26b they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. 27a When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them

1 Corinthians 14:19 However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.

2 Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia; … 3 For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

1 Timothy 5:16 If any man or woman who believes has widows [in their family], let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed. (Note: recall Acts and the appointment of deacons.)

James 5:14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord … 16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.

Spiritual Gifts and the church:

Ephesians 4:11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; 

1 Corinthians 12:5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. 6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.

Thanks for reading. Be part of some assembly.