Church and the Bible

The word church and churches appears in the Bible 114 times. There is a word of similar meaning in the Old Testament as well. The meaning of Greek word ecclesia and the Hebrew word Qahal from the Old Testament is essentially the same meaning - an assembly. The word ecclesia in the New Testament was translated as ‘church’ or ‘churches’ all but 3 times when it was translated as ‘assembly’.

There was no reference in the Old or New Testament to these words meaning a building or a structure - simply a body or group of believers.

If you like to study the Bible in depth you will find that the word ecclesia for church in the New Testament is word number Greek 1577. The Old Testament word Qahal is Hebrew 6950. The Old Testament also has 10 or more other words and word numbers for an assembly.

One of my favorite verses that the word ‘churches’ appears in is from the Book of Revelation 22:16 and it says; (in red letters)

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Wow, what a verse for serious contemplation and discussion. What did he mean when he said I am the root and offspring of David? Was he speaking spiritually or was he saying that he was the first born of David’s ancestors? Was the first born of David’s ancestors Adam? Who knows the answer to this question? God does and we need revelation from Him!

Maybe even more perplexing is when he says ‘and the offspring of David’. Is he saying that he is David’s child? Was this a prophecy of future times? Does this mean that he has been alive more than once with different names? Once again, the only one(s) who know are God and whomever He chooses to reveal the answer to.

Maybe this is why faith in God is paramount. We don’t have all the answers. Sometimes the more you learn the less you know. Maybe that is part of the revelation too! I hope that God wants people to do what’s right, to be kind and try to help others. Can you imagine amassing people all over the world with hearts like that? No arguing over doctrines and theologies just an assembly of the masses driven to do good! Even God gets excited about that.

I was going to talk about the ‘bright and morning star’ as well but I will save that until next time.

All the Best!

Author: AF – Church of Churches