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Ron Writes

A  riot of sorts had been fired up by silversmiths in Ephesus (Acts 19). The city was filled with confusion and a large crowd had gathered in the theater. Luke says the assembly was in confusion because the majority didn’t know why they had come together.  The word Luke uses for assembly is the Greek word ekklēsia. He’ll use the word two more times to describe this secular assembly. The word which means “called out ones” or “assembly” originally referred to citizens called out to do business or pass legislation in the ancient Greek city states.  

This word will be used throughout the NT to refer to the gathering of those called out by God. It will typically be translated as “church.” The NT will go on to describe the church. It will tell us about the purpose of the church. It will explain its importance. It will also instruct us on how we are to behave when we assemble.  

There are many layers of importance attached to the church, but we must never forget that first and foremost it’s an assembly of those called out by God. The word “church” might not be the best word to have translated ekklēsia since it comes with its own secular baggage. One frustration is that teachers need tospend more time explaining the king’s English rather than the King’s (Messiah’s) intention. The church is not a building, but the assembly of God’s people.  

Are you a member of the church? Some are adamant that they are even though they seldom assemble. Some insist that their name be in the directory (as if it were synonymous with the Lamb’s Book of Life). The church is not a club, or a political movement, or an organization – it is the body of Christ, a living, moving creation of God that assembles! Are you a member of the assembly?