What is... the "church"?

[Brother-Paul]

As have I.

You are a good man Ray, a wonderful brother in Christ.

When I was writing these verses, revealing the Truth from The Word regarding 'What is the Church', I felt at a couple of points, you in particular, was troubled in your heart, I prayed and prayed again, I was only writing what was in scripture, with an open mind, I felt your hearts was troubled and that you also felt it was a threat against the local church, I wrote this in a post then read you had actually put this. That concerned me even more brother, so we prayed as we do, you with your concerns at heart and myself for the scriptures I was quoting but, I still felt is right to continue, I felt I was to continue, with an open mind and allow the Spirit to guide me. No way would I condemn the local church, but we had to let scripture confirm what is a church.

Every verse relating to Church, Churches and Assembly translated from the word ekklesia, all from Strongs G1577) are listed here
(Copied from post 65)

The only additions here are in [ ] square brackets.

PART 2 or 3 includes all verses from the KJV 'searching Strongs G1577' for Church ekklesia

Every Word CHURCH is translated from the word 'ekklesia' Which is Strong's Number G1577

You will immediately notice there are more words referring to Church - ekklesia - called out congregation, lets have a look.

There are 115 Occurrences in 112 sections

Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
18 And I say also 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.

[The Church, ekklesia is the Lords - My Church]

Matthew 18:17 (KJV)
17 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 an heathen man and a publican.

Acts 2:47 (KJV)
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

[The Lord added to the church daily, as should be saved 'called-out' confirms the church is the saved people]

Acts 5:11 (KJV)
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

[Fear came upon the church, confirms the church is the people]

Acts 7:38 (KJV)
38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

[This is the only verse that refers to the OT, Stephen quoting Mount Sinai]




Acts 8:1 (KJV)
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. 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 Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

[Persecution against the church, confirms the church is the people]

Acts 8:3 (KJV)
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

[Saul made havoc against the church, confirms the church is the people, here in every house]

Acts 9:31 (KJV)
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

[The churches, confirms the plural, are people in in different countries]

Acts 11:22 (KJV)
22 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.

[The church, the people sent forth Barabas]

Acts 11:26 (KJV)
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled <G4863 assembled or gathered> themselves with the church, <G1577 ekklesia>and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

[The church, the people assembled - The Church is ekklesia G1577, assembled or gathered is G4863 They are NOT the same as some think]

Acts 12:1 (KJV)
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

[The church, the people, Herod stretched out his hand]

Acts 12:5 (KJV)
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

[Peter prayed for The church, the people]

Acts 13:1 (KJV)
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

[There were prophets and teachers in The church, the people]

Acts 14:23 (KJV)
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

[There were ordained elders in The church, the people]

Acts 14:27 (KJV)
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

[There gathered The church, together, the people]

Acts 15:3 (KJV)
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

[On their way, The church, the people]

Acts 15:4 (KJV)
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

[When they were come, they were received, The church, the people]

Acts 15:22 (KJV)
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

[The whole church. It pleased the Apostles and elders, The church, to send chosen men, the people]

Acts 15:41 (KJV)
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

[The churches, various places, went, the people]

Acts 16:5 (KJV)
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

[The churches, established in faith, the people]

Acts 18:22 (KJV)
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

[The church, the people]

Acts 19:32 (KJV)
32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly <G1577 ekklesia> was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

[The assembly, translated from G1577, ekklesia as Church and Churches, the people]

Acts 19:39 (KJV)
39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

[The assembly, translated from G1577, ekklesia as Church and Churches, the people]

Acts 19:41 (KJV)
41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

[The assembly, translated from G1577, ekklesia as Church and Churches, the people]

Acts 20:17 (KJV)
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

[Elders of The church, the people]

Acts 20:28 (KJV)
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

[The church of God, the people, the flock]

Romans 16:1 (KJV)
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

[Sister Phebe, servent of The church, the people]

Romans 16:4 (KJV)
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

[The churches, of the Gentiles, the people]

Romans 16:5 (KJV)
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

[Greet The church, in their houses, the people]

Romans 16:16 (KJV)
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

[The churches of Christ, salute with a kiss, the people]

Romans 16:23 (KJV)
23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

[The whole church, saluteth you, the people]

1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)
2 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, both theirs and ours:

[The church of God, salute with a kiss, the people]

1 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

[The churches of Christ, salute with a kiss, the people]





1 Corinthians 6:4 (KJV)
4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

[The churches of Christ, salute with a kiss, the people]

1 Corinthians 7:17 (KJV)
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

1 Corinthians 10:32 (KJV)
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Corinthians 11:16 (KJV)
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:18 (KJV)
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1 Corinthians 11:22 (KJV)
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV)
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV)
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:5 (KJV)
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (KJV)
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:19 (KJV)
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:23 (KJV)
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1 Corinthians 14:28 (KJV)
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:34 (KJV)
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1 Corinthians 14:35 (KJV)
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1 Corinthians 15:9 (KJV)
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Corinthians 16:1 (KJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1 Corinthians 16:19 (KJV)
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

2 Corinthians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV)
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 8:18 (KJV)
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

2 Corinthians 8:19 (KJV)
19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

2 Corinthians 8:23 (KJV)
23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

2 Corinthians 8:24 (KJV)
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians 11:8 (KJV)
8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

2 Corinthians 11:28 (KJV)
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Galatians 1:2 (KJV)
2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Galatians 1:13 (KJV)
13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Galatians 1:22 (KJV)
22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

Ephesians 1:22 (KJV)
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Ephesians 3:10 (KJV)
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Ephesians 3:21 (KJV)
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 5:23 (KJV)
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Ephesians 5:24 (KJV)
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:27 (KJV)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:29 (KJV)
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Ephesians 5:32 (KJV)
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Philippians 3:6 (KJV)
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Philippians 4:15 (KJV)
15 Now ye Philippians 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.

Colossians 1:18 (KJV)
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:24 (KJV)
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Colossians 4:15 (KJV)
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Colossians 4:16 (KJV)
16 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.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:14 (KJV)
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

2 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV)
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

1 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

1 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Timothy 5:16 (KJV)
16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Philemon 1:2 (KJV)
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Hebrews 2:12 (KJV)
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

Hebrews 12:23 (KJV)
23 To the general assembly <G3831 general assembly, mass meeting> and church <G1577> of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

James 5:14 (KJV)
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

3 John 1:6 (KJV)
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

3 John 1:9 (KJV)
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 1:10 (KJV)
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Revelation 1:4 (KJV)
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 1:11 (KJV)
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 1:20 (KJV)
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Revelation 2:1 (KJV)
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Revelation 2:7 (KJV)
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:8 (KJV)
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Revelation 2:11 (KJV)
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:12 (KJV)
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Revelation 2:17 (KJV)
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:18 (KJV)
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Revelation 2:23 (KJV)
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Revelation 2:29 (KJV)
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:1 (KJV)
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 3:6 (KJV)
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:7 (KJV)
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Revelation 3:13 (KJV)
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:14 (KJV)
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 3:22 (KJV)
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 22:16 (KJV)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

All these verses have the words church, churches, assembly, and all are translated from G1577 ekklesia – ‘called out’ congregation

115 references to ekklesia, The Church, all with the same meaning, all translated from ekklesia

Not all churches (assemblies of people) are members of the body of Christ, but all members of the body of Christ are members of the one Church.

Well put brother, absolutely spot on.

To God be the Glory. Jesus is Lord.

 

[Brother-Paul]

If you search for information on ancient Greek democracy such as here Ancient Greek Democracy

I never thought of that brother.

Its best not to cloud our understanding of the meaning of words with imported concepts

There is nothing to cloud over what was listed was very clear.

Shalom

 

[Trevor]

The "Church" which is the "Body of Christ" was NOT known or understood by anyone until Jesus revealed it directly to the Apostle Paul which in turn the other apostles heard about it from him for the first time!

Eph 3:1 I, Paul, am a prisoner because of Christ Jesus. I am in prison because of my work among you who are not Jews.
Eph 3:2 I am sure you have heard that God appointed me to share his grace with you.
Eph 3:3 I'm talking about the mystery God showed me. I have already written a little about it.
Eph 3:4 By reading it you will be able to understand what I know about the mystery of Christ.
Eph 3:5 The mystery was not made known to people of other times. But now the Holy Spirit has made it known to God's holy apostles and prophets.
Eph 3:6 Here is the mystery. Because of the good news, God's promises are for non-Jews as well as for Jews. Both groups are parts of one body. They share in the promise. It belongs to them because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Eph 3:7 I now serve the good news because God gave me his grace. His power is at work in me.
Eph 3:8 I am by far the least important of all of God's people. But he gave me the grace to preach to the non-Jews about the wonderful riches that Christ gives.
Eph 3:9 God told me to make clear to everyone how the mystery came about. In times past it was kept hidden in the mind of God, who created all things.
Eph 3:10 He wanted the rulers and authorities in the heavenly world to come to know his great wisdom. The church would make it known to them.
Eph 3:11 That was God's plan from the beginning. He has worked it out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph 3:12 Through him and through faith in him we can approach God. We can come to him freely. We can come without fear.
Eph 3:13 So here is what I'm asking you to do. Don't lose hope because I am suffering for you. It will lead to the time when God will give you his glory.

The Church is one body made up of many members who are never separated from each other no matter if they are physically alive or not, in Heaven or on earth!

Paul said to the Church.....

Php 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Hi Gurtis, The problem is, finding out where, and what, the church is; We now have the Anglican Church ordaining women, accepting gay marriage etc.. Then we have the Catholic Church that is now calling for the amalgamation of all faiths; budism, hinduism, Sikhism etc.. Then there are those of the charismatic church Joel Osteen for instance who stands with the Pope and other faiths who believe in a one world church. It seems to me, that to be safe in our fellowship with like minded believers, we need to find churches that stand on the word. It can't be denominational churches because if the church hierarchy goes against scripture, then the individual churches are yoked with them and face the same punishment. I believe we are in the falling away and need to come out from among them and join together with those of like mind, lest we are linked with them and suffer the same fate. Are there any in agreement with me?

 

[B-A-C]

those of the charismatic church Joel Osteen for instance

I agree with all you say here... but charismatics don't consider Joel Osteen as part of their group. The largest charismatic (Pentecostal) church does NOT stand with the Pope and the one world government.

 

[Curtis]

Hi Gurtis, The problem is, finding out where, and what, the church is; We now have the Anglican Church ordaining women, accepting gay marriage etc.. Then we have the Catholic Church that is now calling for the amalgamation of all faiths; budism, hinduism, Sikhism etc.. Then there are those of the charismatic church Joel Osteen for instance who stands with the Pope and other faiths who believe in a one world church. It seems to me, that to be safe in our fellowship with like minded believers, we need to find churches that stand on the word. It can't be denominational churches because if the church hierarchy goes against scripture, then the individual churches are yoked with them and face the same punishment. I believe we are in the falling away and need to come out from among them and join together with those of like mind, lest we are linked with them and suffer the same fate. Are there any in agreement with me?

2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I "came out" from the Catholic Church, as there are many so-called Churchs in this world with different names, but there is only "one" true Church (body of Christ)

 

[Brother-Paul]

The "Church" which is the "Body of Christ" was NOT known or understood by anyone until Jesus revealed it directly to the Apostle Paul which in turn the other apostles heard about it from him for the first time!

Eph 3:1 I, Paul, am a prisoner because of Christ Jesus. I am in prison because of my work among you who are not Jews.
Eph 3:2 I am sure you have heard that God appointed me to share his grace with you.
Eph 3:3 I'm talking about the mystery God showed me. I have already written a little about it.
Eph 3:4 By reading it you will be able to understand what I know about the mystery of Christ.
Eph 3:5 The mystery was not made known to people of other times. But now the Holy Spirit has made it known to God's holy apostles and prophets.
Eph 3:6 Here is the mystery. Because of the good news, God's promises are for non-Jews as well as for Jews. Both groups are parts of one body. They share in the promise. It belongs to them because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Eph 3:7 I now serve the good news because God gave me his grace. His power is at work in me.
Eph 3:8 I am by far the least important of all of God's people. But he gave me the grace to preach to the non-Jews about the wonderful riches that Christ gives.
Eph 3:9 God told me to make clear to everyone how the mystery came about. In times past it was kept hidden in the mind of God, who created all things.
Eph 3:10 He wanted the rulers and authorities in the heavenly world to come to know his great wisdom. The church would make it known to them.
Eph 3:11 That was God's plan from the beginning. He has worked it out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph 3:12 Through him and through faith in him we can approach God. We can come to him freely. We can come without fear.
Eph 3:13 So here is what I'm asking you to do. Don't lose hope because I am suffering for you. It will lead to the time when God will give you his glory.

The Church is one body made up of many members who are never separated from each other no matter if they are physically alive or not, in Heaven or on earth!

Paul said to the Church.....

Php 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

There is just one verse in the NT i listed in all 115 verses referring to the ekklesia, as church, churches or assembly, <G1577> that refers to an assembly in the OT, but although it refers to two of the same items as ekklesia,it doesn't include 'called out'

Plus the church of which Jesus is head was not born until Pentecost.

These are the details

There is only one verse in the NT, in all the passages mentioned above, that refers to a type of ekklesia in the OT – Note: Mount Sinai

Acts 7:38 (NKJV)
38 This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai

To give a fuller picture of the verse...

Acts 7:37-39 (NKJV)
37 "This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.'
38 This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us,
39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt

The Hebrew almost equivalent of ekklesia is the word qahal (קהל).<H6951>
It is translated in most occurrences as an assembly.
The first mention of qahal is in the following by Moses…

Deuteronomy 18:15-18 (KJV)
15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Hebrew Strong’s Number H6951
Hebrew Word: ‏קָהָל‎
Transliteration: qāhāl
Phonetic Pronunciation:kaw-hawl'
Root: from <H6950>
A congregation or assembly, a gathering.

Points to note:

• Mose’s or Moshe, stated that a Prophet will be raised up, who will be of your brethren. According to Deuteronomy 18:15, this Prophet was also like Mose’s.
• This Prophet ye shall hear.
• Mose’s the prophet was with Jesus, Yeshua, in the wilderness at Mt. Sinai. The Hebrew text doesn’t tell us that but Stephen does, so we know qahal – the Hebrew almost equivalent of ekklesia was at Mt. Sinai.

Stephen tells us that their fathers would not obey Mose’s. What was Mose’s telling them?
He was giving them YHVH's instructions, His commands, His teaching, His laws. But they were not obeying.
So, YHVH says He will raise up a Prophet like unto Mose’s and Him we will hear. Him we will hear!

So what Stephen was telling us is there was, a type of church, at Sinai, it included Yeshua and Moshe, Jesus and Mose’s and an assembly.

So what is the difference between the OT and NT positions from the translations?

Hebrew OT - Strong’s Number H6951
Transliteration: qāhāl
Is a congregation or assembly, a gathering.

Greek NT – Stongs Number G1577
Transliteration: ekklesia
Is a called-out congregation, or assembly

It is a called out congregation, a congregation of born again from above, saved souls, who are the body of Christ the ekklesia, the church.

The OT is a shadow of the New, Yeshua was in the wilderness at Mount Sinai, with Moshe. We are told in v18
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

The Church, the ekklesia, was born at Pentecost, the true Church, the Body of Christ of which our Lord is the Head, WAS BORN at Pentecost.

What happened with Moses at Sinai, when YHWY was present in the wilderness that Stephen tells us about, was the shadow of things to come. The prophesy of Yeshua and His Church.

Both the OT and the New include assembly in their translation, the OT shows a type of ekklesia through the Hebrew word, qāhāl,.

Only in the NT Greek does it tell us the congregation or assembly is those called-out, called by God, born again.

Only in the NT can these things be possible,

• Christ had to ascend to heaven for the Spiritual Church, the ekklesia, to be born.
• The Church was then born at Pentecost.

All this fits in with what was listed earlier today.

Shalom

 

[Brother-Paul]

If you search for information on ancient Greek democracy such as here Ancient Greek Democracy you'll see that there's no special spiritual significance in the word, or in being "called out".

Its best not to cloud our understanding of the meaning of words with imported concepts.

The church, the ekklesia, was not born until Penticost. There was no ekklesia in the OT.

The ekklesia in the NT consists of groups of born again from above souls, the ones called out, the new creations, the spiritual stones, together making up the body of Christ, in which Jesus is Head of.

Jesus will return in Glory for the ekklesia, the worldwide born again believers, saints sleeping and saints alive at the time.

That is the church, never a building, not one verse refers to the ekklesia, the church as a building, the church are the born again belivers.

The church, the ekklesia, dies not consist of unsaved souls, only the born again ones.

If a place of worship is made up of saved and unsaved souls, onlythe born again believers are the church.

Scripture is clear.

 

[Trevor]

2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I "came out" from the Catholic Church, as there are many so-called Churchs in this world with different names, but there is only "one" true Church (body of Christ)

I agree Curtis, and I believe that the one true Church of Christ is the elect and at present, like you were, many are in established churches and need to come out from among them. I believe that eventually it will be their understandings that will cause them to come out and in those days I believe the church will revert to what it was in the days before Constantine.

 

[Trevor]

I agree with all you say here... but charismatics don't consider Joel Osteen as part of their group. The largest charismatic (Pentecostal) church does NOT stand with the Pope and the one world government.

I'm Glad to hear that B.A.C, I'm sure that most of the elect are where they can move in the Spirit, and that has to be in charismatic and Pentecostal churches, but there are many of them, that are led by millionaires preaching monetary gain. I don't think many churches are untarnished by false teaching, we are in Satan's world and he knows his business. Unfortunately for him, The elect contain the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and he cannot contend with them. The true Church is yet to arise and when it does it will be Glorious. That is of course, in my opinion. Bless you.

 

[Brother-Paul]

I agree Curtis, and I believe that the one true Church of Christ is the elect and at present, like you were, many are in established churches and need to come out from among them. I believe that eventually it will be their understandings that will cause them to come out and in those days I believe the church will revert to what it was in the days before Constantine.

Hi Trevor

Do you thing it possible, or maybe probable, that the the church may do as you say, but revert back to before Constantine during the tribulation periods, prior to the rapture.

Small groups worshipping from home or here and there, maybe we should not complain now during covid lockdown but see the issues and adjust accordingly so long as we are aware of what a church is.

We do.

 

[Hekuran]

The church, the ekklesia, was not born until Penticost. There was no ekklesia in the OT.

The ekklesia in the NT consists of groups of born again from above souls, the ones called out, the new creations, the spiritual stones, together making up the body of Christ, in which Jesus is Head of.

Jesus will return in Glory for the ekklesia, the worldwide born again believers, saints sleeping and saints alive at the time.

That is the church, never a building, not one verse refers to the ekklesia, the church as a building, the church are the born again belivers.

The church, the ekklesia, dies not consist of unsaved souls, only the born again ones.

If a place of worship is made up of saved and unsaved souls, onlythe born again believers are the church.

Scripture is clear.

In fact, "ekklesia" had been used by Greek speaking Jews for maybe 300 years before Jesus. The Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, the septuagint, uses the word quite often.

διηγήσομαι τὸ ὄνομά σου τοῗς ἀδελφοῗς μου ἐν μέσῳ ἐκκλησίας ὑμνήσω σε

that's the ancient Greek translation of Psalm 22: I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. I couldn't find it rendered to a western alphabet, but have underlined ekklesia.

 

[Brother-Paul]

I have not shared what I think brother, I shared 115 verses showing the Truth on The Word, showing all 115 verses said the same thing, referred to the same things.

I also showed you the Greek meaning, and the one verse that Stephen referred to the OT, none of it was my thinking, all scripture. Yet you fail to see the Truth in the Word.

I showed you the difference between the one verse in the OT and the other 115 in the NT, it was all clear to see but you refuse to see it. I can do no more than pray one day soon you will see the truth. Not my words my friend, but scripture, it is as clear as the morning sun.

 

[Hekuran]

Ok. We've probably gone as far as we need to. Here's why I think theres importance in this. Ekklesia - I am convinced - just means a gathering of people, an assembly, a congregation.

Remembering this is an antidote to western individualism - in which a personal relationship with Jesus is primary, and church is thought of in abstract terms as everybody who belongs to Christ.

In the New Testament times,gathering to worship, pray, support each other, learn together, eat in remembrance of Christ Jesus was right at the heart of Christian living.

We neglect it to our great loss.

 

[B-A-C]

I have not shared what I think brother, I shared 115 verses showing the Truth on The Word, showing all 115 verses said the same thing, referred to the same things.

I would disagree here. Many of the verses you pasted in here, show indeed these were congregations, assemblies, and unsaved people in many of them.
For a long time we have a home group.. Bible study whatever you want to call it, at my house. Now we meet at someone else's house. It's not a "church" building...
but it is a building where the church meets ( a house ).

Some of the people in our group aren't saved... at least not quite yet. They haven't made the decision to accept Jesus yet. Some are on the fence, just almost... but not quite there.
Sometimes I wish I could just push them over the cliff. I pray for these people, I've ate with these people, I've shared life and testimonies with these people.
Does that mean they aren't part of my group... because they haven't accepted Jesus.. ( at least not yet)

There are people who weren't saved in all the verses you posted from Revelation chapters 2 and 3. But they are still part of the church.
1 Cor 5, tell us to remove wicked people from "within the church".

The way I read the majority of those verses you posted... it's talking about a group, an assembly of people.

 

[Trevor]

Ok. We've probably gone as far as we need to. Here's why I think theres importance in this. Ekklesia - I am convinced - just means a gathering of people, an assembly, a congregation.

Remembering this is an antidote to western individualism - in which a personal relationship with Jesus is primary, and church is thought of in abstract terms as everybody who belongs to Christ.

In the New Testament times,gathering to worship, pray, support each other, learn together, eat in remembrance of Christ Jesus was right at the heart of Christian living.

We neglect it to our great loss.

I don't think we neglect it Hekuran, it's just that it's hard to find true believers who haven't embraced teachings that go against scripture and to yolk ourselves with people who accept heresy, even if they don't embrace it, to me is dangerous.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Ok. We've probably gone as far as we need to. Here's why I think theres importance in this. Ekklesia - I am convinced - just means a gathering of people, an assembly, a congregation.

Remembering this is an antidote to western individualism - in which a personal relationship with Jesus is primary, and church is thought of in abstract terms as everybody who belongs to Christ.

In the New Testament times,gathering to worship, pray, support each other, learn together, eat in remembrance of Christ Jesus was right at the heart of Christian living.

We neglect it to our great loss.

Greetings brother

Sorry not had chance to get on here today, I have a continued prayer and study to finalise so will be back tomorrow.

Thank you for 'what you think' my friend, but please note everything I have included 'is from scripture', my reply tomorrow will also be from scripture.

We must be right with God, especially something as important as as Lord's church, the ekklesia.

Shalom

 

[Brother-Paul]

I would disagree here. Many of the verses you pasted in here, show indeed these were congregations, assemblies, and unsaved people in many of them.
For a long time we have a home group.. Bible study whatever you want to call it, at my house. Now we meet at someone else's house. It's not a "church" building...
but it is a building where the church meets ( a house ).

Some of the people in our group aren't saved... at least not quite yet. They haven't made the decision to accept Jesus yet. Some are on the fence, just almost... but not quite there.
Sometimes I wish I could just push them over the cliff. I pray for these people, I've ate with these people, I've shared life and testimonies with these people.
Does that mean they aren't part of my group... because they haven't accepted Jesus.. ( at least not yet)

There are people who weren't saved in all the verses you posted from Revelation chapters 2 and 3. But they are still part of the church.
1 Cor 5, tell us to remove wicked people from "within the church".

The way I read the majority of those verses you posted... it's talking about a group, an assembly of people.

Greetings Ray,

I know your heart is troubled my friend, you have a good heart, sometimes scripture does things like this, it reveals something that we prefer not to hear due to what we have always done since being saved ourself.

You and I have as far as I can see through my time on here, always kept an open mind to scripture, always been willing to look seriously at something we may not be aware of at that, we must continue to be open to the Holy Spirits lead my friend, I am sure you agree.

I will write again tomorrow, I just need to spend a little more time in prayer and study, and submit myself as always to the Lord.

May the Lord Bless you, guide you and protect you my friend, may we always keep out minds open to the Holy Spirit's guide in The Word.

Peace be with you.

Jesus loves you I do to.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Greetings,

Translations can make things harder to follow at times and can even mis lead us. The only way to prevent this is to look at the true meaning of the translated word or words, trace back to the original.

For example, when we look at the word 'church' in scripture, we find it is Strongs number Greek G1577, searching church we find just over 70 references. But when we search Strongs <G1577> we find 115 references and they include 3 words, these are Church, Churches and Assembly.

Church and Churches is pretty straight forward, but the word assembly is also in there as translated from G1577 - translated 3 times.

If we search Assembly we receive 123 occurrences, but only 3 of these refer to G1577, the others have different meanings. Therefore it is important to understand the meaning of each word, especially with this study as it would be easy to understand all words assembly mean exactly the same, as we see they don't.

Now lets look at the original means for Church, Churches and Assembly that are translated from G1577.

Greek Strong's Number: 1577
Greek Word: ἐκκλησία
Transliteration: ekklēsia
Phonetic Pronunciation: ek-klay-see'-ah
English Words used in KJV:
church 115
assembly 3

from a compound of <G1537> (ek) and a derivative of <G2564> (kaleo); a calling out,

Note, I did not put a calling out in italics to make it seen, that is directly from the Strongs Dictionary

<G1537>
English Words used in KJV:
of 366
from 181
out of 162

<G2564>
English Words used in KJV:
call 125
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

In each case whether Church, Churches or Assembly they are all translated from G1577
ekklesia – congregation, called out or calling out

We should not be surprised by this as the Church, the ekklesia was not born until Pentecost.

The Church is the Body of Christ therefore cannot be until Christ was resurrected and ascended.

Also we should note that the first reference to the Church, the ekklesia, in the Bible is in Matthews Gospel. On this rock, Jesus, he confirms He will build His Cburch, His ekklesia, nothing, nothing will prevail against it, nothing.

Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my ekklesia – congregation, called out; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Church, the ekklesia, was built on The Rock, Jesus himself, the foundation of our Faith, Jesus tells us in the forst reference about it, MY CHURCH, MY EKKKLESIA born at Pentecost. Later we are told the 'Called out' ones are the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, Jesus is the Head of His Church. So the Church, the ekklesia, all 115 verses that are translated from G1577 are the ekklesia – congregation, 'called out' Born Again from above believers.

Continuing please bear with me.....

 

[Brother-Paul]

Post #98 above covers Strong's Number G1577 the translation of 3 words all with the original G1577 meaning.

Moving on there is just one verse that draws our eye to the OT, not from any of the words from G1577 but that Stephen was referring to a Moses, Moshe, at the time the Jewish assembly were turning against God to worship idols.

Acts 7:38 (KJV)
This is he, that was in the church <G1577> ekklesia – congregation, called out in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Here the word Church was used that is translated from Strong's Number <G1577>. Here in Stephen's sermon before he was martyred, he draws a parallel to the Church in the New Testament, that Jesus stated earlier in Matthew...

Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my ekklesia – congregation, called out; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

So here we have Jesus has confirmed His Church, built upon the rock, Jesus himself, and that Church was born at Pentecost, so what was Stephen referring to here?

Stephen was referring to - Christ the Prophet foretold, the people are harken unto Him.

Deuteronomy 18:15-22 (KJV)
15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly <H6951>, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Here we have the reference 'Assembly'

Hebrew Strong's Number: 6951
Hebrew Word: ‏קָהָל‎
Transliteration: qāhāl
Phonetic Pronunciation: kaw-hawl'
Root: from <6950>
English Words used in KJV:
congregation 86
assembly 17
company 17
multitude 3
from <6950> (qahal); assemblage :- assembly, company, congregation, multitude.
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

Here the word is emphasised towards, congregation 86 references, assembly only 17 references.

In Stephen's Sermon, the Spirit was moving as he spoke to the Jewish people, and brought him to quote from Deuteronomy, regarding the coming prophet, Jesus, Yeshua, who will be the head of His church, ekklesia.

This is the only quote made, in all 115 references for Church, Churches or Assembly, that comes from the translated G1577, but there is one clear difference.

Deut: quotes H1651 qāhāl
congregation, assembly

Acts: quotes G1577ekklesia
ekklesia – congregation, called out

Therefore the following seems very clear...

The Jews in the OT had a congregation or assembly - they were God's children, God's chosen one even though they were blessed when right with God and blessings removed when they were wrong with God, they were still God's people.

The Gentiles however, after Pentecost, the church, the ekklesia was born. The Church is our Lord's, the ekklesia.
<G1577> ekklesia – congregation, called out

Christ is the head of His Church, ekklesia.

His ekklesia are the born again from above souls, they are the Body of Christ, they are His,

He knows His sheep, His sheep know Him, they are called out.

ekklesia means: The Called Out ones.

Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)
For many are called, but few are chosen."

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
And do not be conformed to this world, (we are called out) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

John 6:43-44 (NKJV)
Jesus therefore answered and said to them, "Do not murmur among yourselves.
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; (we are called out, drawn out of the word) and I will raise him up at the last day.

Romans 8:28-30 (NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

1 Corinthians 1:26 (NKJV)
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

There are many more verses as we know... God calls us we do not call Him, we are called out of this world, to be children of God through Jesus.

Jesus is the Church, the one True Church, the ekklesia, no one comes to the Father except through Him.
This couldn't happen until Jesus was resurrected and ascended and established His Church which was Born at Pentecost.

Continuing please bear with me.....

 

[Brother-Paul]

All verses from the KJV 'searching Strongs G1577' for Church ekklesia

Every Word CHURCH is translated from the word 'ekklesia' Which is Strong's Number G1577

You will immediately notice there are more words referring to Church - ekklesia - called out congregation, lets have a look.

There are 115 Occurrences in 112 sections

Now re-read the 115 verses below with an open mind and open heart, put aside any personal thoughts, put aside any denominational influences.
Pray the Holy Spirit will guide you in all Truth, praying as the spirit guides you, in Jesus Name.

The words Church, Churches and Assembly below which are the direct translations from Strong’s G1577 are replaced with their original meanings:
ekklesia – congregation, called out. There are no words from myself, just the verses and the correct meaning from Strong's Dictionary.

Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY ekklesia – congregation, called out; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 18:17 (KJV)
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear ekklesia – congregation, called out, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Acts 2:47 (KJV)
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the ekklesia – congregation, called out daily such as should be saved.

Acts 5:11 (KJV)
11 And great fear came upon all the ekklesia – congregation, called out, and upon as many as heard these things.

Acts 7:38 (KJV)
38 This is he, that was in the ekklesia – congregation, called out in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Acts 8:1 (KJV)
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the ekklesia – congregation, called out which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 8:3 (KJV)
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the ekklesia – congregation, called out, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Acts 9:31 (KJV)
31 Then had the ekklesia – congregation, called out rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Acts 11:22 (KJV)
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the ekklesia – congregation, called out which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Acts 11:26 (KJV)
26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled <G4863 gathered, come together, assembled> themselves with the ekklesia – congregation, called out, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 12:1 (KJV)
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Acts 12:5 (KJV)
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the ekklesia – congregation, called out unto God for him.

Acts 13:1 (KJV)
1 Now there were in the ekklesia – congregation, called out that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Acts 14:23 (KJV)
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every ekklesia – congregation, called out and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Acts 14:27 (KJV)
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the ekklesia – congregation, called out together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Acts 15:3 (KJV)
3 And being brought on their way by the ekklesia – congregation, called out, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 15:4 (KJV)
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the ekklesia – congregation, called out, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

Acts 15:22 (KJV)
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole ekklesia – congregation, called out, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 15:41 (KJV)
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Acts 16:5 (KJV)
5 And so were the ekklesia – congregation, called out established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Acts 18:22 (KJV)
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the ekklesia – congregation, called out, he went down to Antioch.

Acts 19:32 (KJV)
32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the ekklesia – congregation, called out was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

Acts 19:39 (KJV)
39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful ekklesia – congregation, called out


Acts 19:41 (KJV)
41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Acts 20:17 (KJV)
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Acts 20:28 (KJV)
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Romans 16:1 (KJV)
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the ekklesia – congregation, called out which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:4 (KJV)
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the ekklesia – congregation, called out of the Gentiles.

Romans 16:5 (KJV)
5 Likewise greet the ekklesia – congregation, called out that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Romans 16:16 (KJV)
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The ekklesia – congregation, called out of Christ salute you.

Romans 16:23 (KJV)
23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole ekklesia – congregation, called out, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)
2 Unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out 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, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every ekklesia – congregation, called out.

1 Corinthians 6:4 (KJV)
4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

1 Corinthians 7:17 (KJV)
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all ekklesia – congregation, called out.

1 Corinthians 10:32 (KJV)
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God:

1 Corinthians 11:16 (KJV)
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God.

1 Corinthians 11:18 (KJV)
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the ekklesia – congregation, called out, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1 Corinthians 11:22 (KJV)
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV)
28 And God hath set some in the ekklesia – congregation, called out, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV)
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

1 Corinthians 14:5 (KJV)
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the ekklesia – congregation, called out may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (KJV)
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

1 Corinthians 14:19 (KJV)
19 Yet in the ekklesia – congregation, called out I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:23 (KJV)
23 If therefore the whole ekklesia – congregation, called out be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1 Corinthians 14:28 (KJV)
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the ekklesia – congregation, called out; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all ekklesia – congregation, called out of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:34 (KJV)
34 Let your women keep silence in the ekklesia – congregation, called out: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1 Corinthians 14:35 (KJV)
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

1 Corinthians 15:9 (KJV)
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God.

1 Corinthians 16:1 (KJV)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the ekklesia – congregation, called out of Galatia, even so do ye.

1 Corinthians 16:19 (KJV)
19 The ekklesia – congregation, called out of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the ekklesia – congregation, called out that is in their house.

2 Corinthians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV)
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the ekklesia – congregation, called out of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 8:18 (KJV)
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the ekklesia – congregation, called out;

2 Corinthians 8:19 (KJV)
19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the ekklesia – congregation, called out to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

2 Corinthians 8:23 (KJV)
23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the ekklesia – congregation, called out, and the glory of Christ.

2 Corinthians 8:24 (KJV)
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the ekklesia – congregation, called out, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians 11:8 (KJV)
8 I robbed other ekklesia – congregation, called out, taking wages of them, to do you service.

2 Corinthians 11:28 (KJV)
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

2 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other ekklesia – congregation, called out, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Galatians 1:2 (KJV)
2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out of Galatia:

Galatians 1:13 (KJV)
13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God, and wasted it:

Galatians 1:22 (KJV)
22 And was unknown by face unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out of Judaea which were in Christ:

Ephesians 1:22 (KJV)
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the ekklesia – congregation, called out


Ephesians 3:10 (KJV)
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the ekklesia – congregation, called out the manifold wisdom of God,

Ephesians 3:21 (KJV)
21 Unto him be glory in the ekklesia – congregation, called out by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 5:23 (KJV)
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the ekklesia – congregation, called out: and he is the saviour of the body.

Ephesians 5:24 (KJV)
24 Therefore as the ekklesia – congregation, called out is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the ekklesia – congregation, called out, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:27 (KJV)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious ekklesia – congregation, called out, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:29 (KJV)
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the ekklesia – congregation, called out

Ephesians 5:32 (KJV)
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the ekklesia – congregation, called out

Philippians 3:6 (KJV)
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the ekklesia – congregation, called out; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Philippians 4:15 (KJV)
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no ekklesia – congregation, called out communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Colossians 1:18 (KJV)
18 And he is the head of the body, the ekklesia – congregation, called out: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:24 (KJV)
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the ekklesia – congregation, called out


Colossians 4:15 (KJV)
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the ekklesia – congregation, called out which is in his house.

Colossians 4:16 (KJV)
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the ekklesia – congregation, called out of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:14 (KJV)
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

2 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV)
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

1 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the ekklesia – congregation, called out of God?)

1 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the ekklesia – congregation, called out of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Timothy 5:16 (KJV)
16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the ekklesia – congregation, called out be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Philemon 1:2 (KJV)
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the ekklesia – congregation, called out in thy house:

Hebrews 2:12 (KJV)
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the ekklesia – congregation, called out will I sing praise unto thee.

Hebrews 12:23 (KJV)
23 To the general assembly <G3831 general assembly, mass meeting> and ekklesia – congregation, called out <G1577> of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

James 5:14 (KJV)
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the ekklesia – congregation, called out; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

3 John 1:6 (KJV)
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the ekklesia – congregation, called out: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

3 John 1:9 (KJV)
9 I wrote unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 1:10 (KJV)
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the ekklesia – congregation, called out

Revelation 1:4 (KJV)
4 John to the seven ekklesia – congregation, called out which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 1:11 (KJV)
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven ekklesia – congregation, called out which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 1:20 (KJV)
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven ekklesia – congregation, called out: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Revelation 2:1 (KJV)
1 Unto the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Revelation 2:7 (KJV)
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:8 (KJV)
8 And unto the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Revelation 2:11 (KJV)
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:12 (KJV)
12 And to the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Revelation 2:17 (KJV)
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:18 (KJV)
18 And unto the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Revelation 2:23 (KJV)
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the ekklesia – congregation, called out shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Revelation 2:29 (KJV)
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Revelation 3:1 (KJV)
1 And unto the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 3:6 (KJV)
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Revelation 3:7 (KJV)
7 And to the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Revelation 3:13 (KJV)
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Revelation 3:14 (KJV)
14 And unto the angel of the ekklesia – congregation, called out of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 3:22 (KJV)
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesia – congregation, called out.

Revelation 22:16 (KJV)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the ekklesia – congregation, called out I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

All these verses have the words church, churches, assembly, and all are translated from G1577 ekklesia – congregation, called out

115 references to ekklesia, The Church, all with the same meaning, all translated from ekklesia

Continuing please bear with me.....