Q1. What is the meaning of the word “church”?

Picture: Q1. What is the meaning of the word “church”?JTLD 317.1

In the Bible, the word “church” is a translation of the Greek ekklesia , which means “a calling out.” Rather than referring to a building or sanctuary, the expression stood for “gathering,” “assembly,” or “congregation.” Consider the various uses of the word ekklesia in the New Testament:JTLD 317.2

Believers assembled for worship in a specific place (1 Corinthians 11:18)

Believers living in a certain locality (1 Corinthians 16:1)

Believers assembled in the home of an individual (1 Corinthians 16:19)

A group of congregations in each geographic area (Acts 9:31)

The whole body of believers throughout the world (Matthew 16:18)

The whole faithful creation in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:20-22)

These biblical definitions of “church” are especially encouraging for those who cannot assemble for worship in a building or sanctuary because of a pandemic, persecution, distance, or other extenuating circumstances. In these instances where worship in a dedicated church building is impossible, God nonetheless considers the believers’ worship gathering—whether in a cave, the woods, or a private home—a place where He can dwell among them.JTLD 317.3

Bible Discovery: 1 Corinthians 10:32; 12:28; 14:19, 28, Galatians 1:2; Ephesians 4:11, 16; Colossians 4:15; Philippians 2:9-11

Further Reading: Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11.2