Ekklesia: Unity
Ekklesia
This is a term that is used in the New Testament when referring to the church. There are two main definitions for this word that are used. 1) Used to reference a specific, intentional meeting of Jesus’ followers. 2) Used to reference the association of Jesus' followers.
The first one is used most often in referring to the actual meetings on believers. This is what we would think of today as our local church. Several references of Scripture that use this definition are of the following: Acts 5:11; 8:1; 8:3; 11:22.
The second definition used in the New Testament is referring to what we would call the Universal Church, today. Luke used this on a few occasions talking about the widespread group of believers that are all around. A few of the references are the following: Acts 14:23; Acts 9:31.
I think this brings up a great opportunity to discuss unity amongst the Church. I think oftentimes we get so wrapped up in our own congregations, but if we look at the study of Ekklesia, we see that it is not only talking about the local gathering of believers, but it also talks about the widespread group of believers across the globe. It reminds us to pray for the church and the Church. It is a beautiful thing to think about how we can’t have one term of the church without the other term. They both are foundational to each other. In a Christian culture full of denominations, we can look at how Luke wrote about the Ekklesia, and he doesn’t reference a specific person church (e.g., Paul’s church, Peter’s church, or small church.). He just uses the word church. Denominations can be great assets to the Kingdom of God, but let’s not let denominational lines blind us from the fact, that anyone who claims that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and believes in Him for the power of Salvation is a part of the Church and should be welcomed in any church. Jesus brings us together. We are of one body when we have been saved by Jesus.
