The use of the word "church" in the Bible.

[Norman70]

As far as I know the word "church" is used 77 times in the NT and not at all in the OT. Jesus uses it three times. In Matt 16:18 He says that on this rock He will build His church. The rock of course is Peter therefore Jesus does not mean a physical structure. In Matt 18:17 He uses the word twice, and the second time He asks that the church should hear. Again He does not mean a physical structure.
Modern dictionaries give several definitions, a building and it's use by Jesus as a community of believers, are both included.
To say we are attending church must cover any Christian fellowship associations. This includes our fellowship here in CF, therefore I think the admonition in Matt 18:17 could be applicable to our fellowship here In CF!?

 

[ewq1938]

As far as I know the word "church" is used 77 times in the NT and not at all in the OT.

The OT uses "congregation" which has the same meaning as the Greek for "church".

 

[Mike the Counselor]

The Greek word "ecclesia" which is (mis)translated "church" in most English translations literally means "called out ones" and is more accurately translated as "assembly, gathering, or congregation." It is very interesting that Jesus chose this word which didn't have a specific religious meaning. He clearly wasn't coming to establish a religious organization but rather an organism, a living body composed of those who are saved by grace through faith. The obsession we have with buildings and titles is utterly foreign to the biblical concept.

 

[Norman70]

A very helpful post, Mike, which affirms my views on the subject.

 

[TuxAme]

"Going to church" should be understood to mean "going to worship", and worship as the first Christians understood it isn't satisfied by gathering with others alone, whether over the internet or in person.

"Church" as Jesus used it, refers to the particular institution which He founded, and can be understood to mean all disciples.

 

[ewq1938]

G1577
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia
ek-klay-see'-ah
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

H5712
עדה
‛êdâh
ay-daw'
Feminine of H5707 in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (specifically a concourse, or generally a family or crowd): - assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713.

 

[Mike the Counselor]

"Going to church" should be understood to mean "going to worship", and worship as the first Christians understood it isn't satisfied by gathering with others alone, whether over the internet or in person.

"Church" as Jesus used it, refers to the particular institution which He founded, and can be understood to mean all disciples.

We are always worshiping. The question is what or whom are we worshiping and how are we worshiping. We are told that how we worship (in spirit and in truth) is more important than where we worship (John 4:21-24) and not to esteem one day above another (Col. 2:16,17). Certainly we are not to forsake the gathering together (Hebrews 10:25) but two or three consists of a legitimate gathering of heavenly impact (Matt. 18:19,20).

It is more consistent with the Scriptures to say that Jesus formed a body composed of His redeemed people than to say He founded an institution.

 

[Mike the Counselor]

G1577
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia
ek-klay-see'-ah
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

H5712
עדה
‛êdâh
ay-daw'
Feminine of H5707 in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (specifically a concourse, or generally a family or crowd): - assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713.

Strong's definition above results from an acceptance of the common translators' choices rather than a investigative understanding of the actual meaning. "Church" is too institutional to capture the essence and ingenuity of the Greek ecclesia/ekklesia, and the literal meanings of the two words have such a conspicuous lack of similarity so as to render the translation nothing short of misleading.

 

[Norman70]

Many thanks to all for the etymology of the word "church" presented here. It all supports my concerns about the institutionalisation of worshipping in a church. The early congregations met in their own homes, there was no appointed leadership, just the authoritiveness of the visiting apostles. As in 1 Samuel 8, church leaders were appointed and that's when things went wrong.