A BRIEF LOOK AT SOME OF THE KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE
Bible Corner - No. 7 CHURCH
The first Christians were Jews and treated as an heretical sect within Judaism. They were often contemptuously referred to as 'Nazarenes' though they spoke of themselves as belonging to 'The Way'. It was as the Gospel spread to Greek-speaking Jews that 'church' came to be used for the local Christian community. The Greek word used was 'ecclesia' (familiar to us in the term ecclesiastical) and suggested 'a people summoned together', 'a meeting' or 'an assembly'. It never referred to a building!
In the early years of the church the authority of the apostles was paramount but the exact pattern of ministry that developed later is unclear in the New Testament.
Some Christians believe there is evidence of a three-fold order of bishops, presbyters (elders) and deacons; others hold that the teaching and ordering of the church should be directed by elders; still others consider that authority resides within each separate congregation. All Christians, however, agree that Jesus Christ is Lord of the Church at every level. He is the True Vine, the Shepherd of the Flock, the Head of the Body. It is in obedience to his commands that his followers baptize and repeat the words and actions of the Last Supper 'in remembrance' of him.
Years ago candidates for the ministry were sometimes said to be 'going into the church' as if the church only comprised its ministers! Nothing could be further from the spirit of the New Testament. The church is the whole People of God.
Relevant passages: John 15, 1-4; Acts 2, 42-47; 9, 1-2;Ephesians 1, 22-23
Howard Rady
Bible Corner Article Archive...
To view other articles click here