Understanding the Meaning of Ecclesia in the New Testament
Ecclesia is a Greek word that means "called out ones" or "assembly". In the New Testament, it is used to refer to the community of believers who have been called out of the world and gathered together by God to worship Him and serve His purposes.
The word "ecclesia" is derived from the verb "ekkaleo", which means "to call out". In the context of the New Testament, it is used to describe the process by which God calls out individuals from the world and brings them into a community of faith. This community is then referred to as the "ecclesia" or "assembly".
In the New Testament, the term "ecclesia" is used to refer to the early Christian communities that were established after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These communities were made up of individuals who had responded to the call of God and had been brought into a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus. They gathered together for worship, fellowship, and service, and they were guided by leaders who were chosen by the Holy Spirit to provide spiritual oversight and guidance.
Today, the term "ecclesia" is still used to refer to the community of believers who have been called out of the world and gathered together by God. It is often used interchangeably with the word "church", although some Christians prefer to use the term "ecclesia" to emphasize the fact that the community of believers is not just a building or an organization, but a living, breathing body of individuals who have been called out of the world and brought into a relationship with God.