Bulletin Articles
A STUDY OF THE WORD “CHURCH”
A STUDY OF THE WORD “CHURCH”
In the Scriptures, some words take on a very special or technical meaning based on context. For example, the word “elder” can mean just an “older man,” or it can refer to a church “overseer” (cf. 1Tm.5:1,17). The word “church” is another example of a word which takes on a very special meaning, depending on context. For instance, in Matthew 16:18, Jesus promised to build His “church” – a reference to “the people of God.” In this article, we shall do a brief study of the word, “church.”
First, we’ll note the definition of “church.” The word translated “church” comes from the Greek word, “ekklesia,” which is derived from two words: “ek,” which means, “out of;” and “klesis,” which means, “a calling.” The resulting idea is that of “a group of persons who are called out for a particular purpose.” W.E. Vine says, it “was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens gathered to discuss the affairs of State, Acts 19:39.” As you can see, it is not necessarily a religious word; but in Biblical usage, it sometimes takes on a religious flavor (e.g., Mt.16:18). Some have suggested alternative translations, such as “assembly” or “group.” For my part, I lean toward “group,” because “assembly” suggests a “gathering.” The problem with this is that a “church” is not always “gathered;” but a “church” IS always a “group!” Hence, if I had to pick an alternative translation, I would choose the word “group.”
Next, we’ll look at the usage of “church.” All my adult life, I have heard preachers say, “The word ‘church’ is used in two senses in the New Testament.” So, it may surprise you to learn that just isn’t so! In truth, the word “church” is used in at least EIGHT different senses! In Acts 7:38, it refers to the nation of Israel, sometimes called “the Old Testament church.” In Acts 19:32,41, it refers to a mob at Ephesus who was opposed to the apostle Paul. In that same context, in Acts 19:39, it refers to some kind of governing body at Ephesus, such as a city council. So far, none of these refer to the “church” that Jesus promised to build!
But in Hebrews 12:22-24, the word “church” refers to all Christians, everywhere; or what we sometimes call the “universal” church. In this sense, there is no organizational structure involved; it is simply all saved people considered as one entity. In Acts 9:31 (ASV, NASV, NIV, ESV, etc.), it refers to the Christians living in a region. Some translations have the word “churches” (plural, see KJV, NKJV). If it should be plural, then it would fall unto this next category: In Acts 14:23, it refers to a local, organized body of Christians (cp. Ph.1:1; 4:15). In 1 Corinthians 11:18, it refers to a gathering of those local Christians. There, the phrase is literally, “in church” – i.e., in church meetings. As an aside, notice that the church was said to have “come together,” even though the whole was not present (cf. v.17,21,33). Finally, it sometimes refers to local Christians in their respective homes (Ac.8:3; Rm.16:5). In view of this last usage, consider also Acts 14:27. If they “gathered the church together,” then “the church” existed before assembling! If not, why not?
Finally, we make some observations about these usages. The one thing all these usages have in common is that they always refer to people: Whether it be a nation, a mob, a city council, or Christians, the word “church” always refers to people! This, in turn, means that the Scriptures NEVER use the word “church” to describe a building! When people refer to a building and say, “What a beautiful church,” they are misusing a Biblical word. Finally, the primary use of the word “church” refers to a group of Christians, who have been “called out” of sin, and into the service of God (1Pt.2:9-10). And these Christians were “called out” of sin by means of the gospel (2Th.2:13-14).
Are you a part of Christ’s church? If not, you can change that by obeying the Lord (Ac.2:36-38,41,47). If you are ready, let us know; we’d be glad to help!
--Lanny Smith
