Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and OriginThe term "church" in the New Testament is derived from the Greek word "ekklesia," which means "assembly" or "called-out ones." It refers to the gathering of believers in Jesus Christ. The concept of the church is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, serving as the body of Christ on earth.
Biblical FoundationThe foundation of the church is laid by Jesus Christ Himself. In
Matthew 16:18 , Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This statement underscores the divine origin and enduring nature of the church.
The Early ChurchThe early church began at Pentecost, as recorded in
Acts 2. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel.
Acts 2:42 describes the early church's activities: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This verse highlights the core practices of teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer.
Structure and LeadershipThe New Testament outlines a structure for church leadership, including roles such as elders, overseers, and deacons. In
1 Timothy 3:1-13 and
Titus 1:5-9, qualifications for these leaders are detailed, emphasizing character and ability to teach. The apostles, particularly Paul, played a significant role in establishing churches and appointing leaders.
The Church as the Body of ChristThe Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church. In
1 Corinthians 12:27 , he writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery emphasizes unity and diversity within the church, with each member playing a vital role.
The Purpose of the ChurchThe church exists to glorify God, edify believers, and evangelize the world.
Ephesians 4:11-13 states, "And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage highlights the church's role in spiritual growth and mission.
Worship and SacramentsWorship in the church includes prayer, singing, preaching, and the administration of sacraments such as baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward faith, as seen in
Acts 2:38 : "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'" The Lord's Supper, or communion, is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, as instructed in
1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Challenges and PerseveranceThroughout history, the church has faced persecution and internal challenges. Jesus warned of such trials in
John 16:33 : "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." Despite these challenges, the church is called to remain faithful and steadfast.
The Universal and Local ChurchThe New Testament distinguishes between the universal church, comprising all believers worldwide, and local congregations. The universal church is the collective body of Christ, while local churches are individual assemblies of believers. Paul addresses local churches in his epistles, providing guidance and instruction specific to their contexts.
Eschatological HopeThe church looks forward to the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom.
Revelation 19:7 speaks of the church as the bride of Christ: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." This eschatological hope motivates the church to live in holiness and anticipation.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHESIt is evident from the contexts of the various Biblical passages in which the word "angel" appears, that the word does not always represent the same idea. In such passages asDaniel 12:1 andActs 12:15 it would seem that the angel was generally regarded as a superhuman being whose duty it was to guard a nation or an individual, not unlike the jenei of the Arabs. However, inMalachi 2:7, 3:1 (Hebrew) the word is clearly used to represent men. In the New Testament also, there are passages, such asJames 2:25 (Greek), in which the word seems to be applied to men. The seven angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) received seven letters, figurative letters, and therefore it would seem that the seven angels are also figurative and may refer to the seven bishops who presided over the seven churches of Asia. Or the angels may be regarded as the personifications of the churches.
E. J. Banks
CHURCHES, ROBBERS OF
church'-iz.
SeeROBBERS OF TEMPLES.
CHURCHES, SEVEN
SeeANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES.
SEVEN CHURCHES
SeeCHURCHES, SEVEN.
Greek
32. aggelos -- a messenger, angel... For example, 32 () in Rev 1:20 can refer to heavenly angels or key leaders (perhaps
pastors) of the seven
churches. [32 () can refer to "a messenger" (cf.
...1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation
... Word Origin from ek and kaleo Definition an assembly, a (religious) congregation
NASB Word Usage assembly (3), church (74),churches (35), congregation (2)....
2417. hierosulos -- robbing temples
... robber of temples. From hieron and sulao; a temple-despoiler -- robber ofchurches.
see GREEK hieron. see GREEK sulao. (ierosulous) -- 1 Occurrence. 2416, 2417...
2583. kanon -- a rule, standard
... This represented the core theological convictions prevailing in the localchurches
in the "post-apostolic era" (particularly from ad 100 on)....
Library
The Creeds of the Evangelical ProtestantChurches
The Creeds of the Evangelical ProtestantChurches. <. The Creeds of the
Evangelical ProtestantChurches Philip Schaff. Table of Contents. Title Page....
ReformedChurches.
... REFORMEDCHURCHES. The Reformedchurches comprehend... Calvinists from the Lutherans.
The Reformedchurches in America are the two following:"....
The Congregational and ChristianChurches.
The Creeds of the Evangelical ProtestantChurches. <.... The
Congregational and ChristianChurches. The organic union of...
Character and Condition of theChurches to whom the Epistle was...
... INTRODUCTION. 4. Character and condition of theChurches to whom the Epistle was
addressed, and nature of the errors against which it was directed....
Epistles to the SevenChurches.
... Epistles to the SevenChurches.... The sevenchurches are not, themselves, seen
in vision; they were symbolized by seven golden candlesticks....
Church Alliances and Federations ofChurches.
The Creeds of the Evangelical ProtestantChurches. <.... Proposals of Church
Union within the ProtestantChurches of the United States. IV....
John's Salutation to theChurches.
... John's Salutation to theChurches.... The seven cities which contained thosechurches,
were situated in a kind of amphitheatre, surrounded by mountains....
TheChurches of the East
... The Church and the Empire CHAPTER XVII THECHURCHES OF THE EAST.... Attempts to
promote reunion between theChurches were made at intervals....
The Lambeth Quadrilateral and the FreeChurches of England. --
The Creeds of the Evangelical ProtestantChurches. <.... The Lambeth Proposals.
II. The Lambeth Quadrilateral and the FreeChurches of England."....
The Anglican and Protestant EpiscopalChurches and the Orthodox...
The Creeds of the Evangelical ProtestantChurches.... IV. The Anglican and Protestant
EpiscopalChurches and the Orthodox Eastern and Old CatholicChurches....
Thesaurus
Churches (39 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANGELS OF THE SEVEN
CHURCHES.
... Or the angels may
be regarded as the personifications of the
churches. EJ Banks.
...Seven (404 Occurrences)
... of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded
them; the seven days' siege of Jericho; the sevenchurches, seven spirits...
Presbytery (1 Occurrence)
... pastor. This body has a general jurisdiction over thechurches under its
care, and next below the provincial synod in authority....
Trophimus (3 Occurrences)
... The apostle says of this unnamed brother, not only that his praise is in the gospel
throughout all thechurches, but also that he was chosen by thechurches to...
Deutero-canonical
... sometimes used to designate certain books, which by the Council of Trent were included
in the Old Testament, but which the Protestantchurches designated as...
Presbyter
... Acts 14:23 Titus 1:5). The mother-church at Jerusalem, formed after the pattern
of the synagogue, might well have offered to thechurches formed elsewhere...
Deuterocanonical
... sometimes used to designate certain books, which by the Council of Trent were included
in the Old Testament, but which the Protestantchurches designated as...
Galatia (6 Occurrences)
... THE NARRATIVE OF LUKE 1. Stages of Evangelization of Province 2. TheChurches
Mentioned IV. PAUL'S USE OF "GALATIANS" I. Introductory....
Government (20 Occurrences)
... In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas are said to have "appointed elders in
every church," that is,churches which they had planted....
Tychicus (5 Occurrences)
... gave it particular importance was that he and his friends were carrying the money
which had been collected for several years previous in thechurches of the...
Resources
What is the National Council of Churches? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do governments allow churches to be tax-exempt? | GotQuestions.orgAre mono-ethnic churches, churches that focus on a specific race or ethnic group, following a biblical model? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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