Reference: Church
American
The Greek word translated church signifies generally an assembly, either common or religious; and it is sometimes so translated, as in Ac 19:32,39. In the New Testament it usually means a congregation of religious worshippers, either Jewish, as Ac 7:38, or Christians, as Mt 16:18; 1Co 6:4. The latter sense is the more common one; and it is thus used in a twofold manner, denoting,
1. The universal Christian church: either the invisible church, consisting of those whose names are written in heaven, whom God knows, but whom we cannot infallibly know, Heb 12:23; or the visible church, made up of the professed followers of Christ on earth, Col 1:24; 1Ti 3:5,15.
2. A particular church or body of professing believers, who meet and worship together in one place; as the churches of Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, etc., to which Paul addressed epistles.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
This is he, who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him in the Mount Sinai and with our fathers, who received the oracles of life to give unto us;
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused; and most of them did not know why they were come together.
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fulfill in my flesh that which is lacking of the tribulations of the Christ for his body's sake, which is the congregation ,
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
All that are with me salute thee. Greet those that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect
Easton
Derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., "the Lord's house"), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship.
In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament, both words meaning simply an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it early received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the "Church of England," the "Church of Scotland," etc.
We find the word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated "assembly" in the ordinary classical sense (Ac 19:32,39,41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph 5:23,25,27,29; Heb 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Ro 16:5; Col 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Ac 13:1); so also we read of the "church of God at Corinth" (1Co 1:2), "the church at Jerusalem" (Ac 8:1), "the church of Ephesus" (Re 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1Co 15:9; Ga 1:13; Mt 16:18) are the church of Christ.
The church visible "consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children." It is called "visible" because its members are known and its assemblies are public. Here there is a mixture of "wheat and chaff," of saints and sinners. "God has commanded his people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to his kingdom, of making known the gospel of that kingdom, and of gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the visible church, and all together constitute the catholic or universal visible church." A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person a member of this church. This is "the kingdom of heaven," whose character and progress are set forth in the parables recorded in Mt 13.
The children of all who thus profess the true religion are members of the visible church along with their parents. Children are included in every covenant God ever made with man. They go along with their parents (Ge 9:9-17; 12:1-3; 17:7; Ex 20:5; De 29:10-13). Peter, on the day of Pentecost, at the beginning of the New Testament dispensation, announces the same great principle. "The promise [just as to Abraham and his seed the promises were made] is unto you, and to your children" (Ac 2:38-39). The children of believing parents are "holy", i.e., are "saints", a title which designates the members of the Christian church (1Co 7:14). (See Baptism, Christian.)
The church invisible "consists of the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof." This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. it is called "invisible" because the greater part of those who constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who "searches the heart." "The Lord knoweth them that are his" (2Ti 2:19).
The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises appertaining to Christ's kingdom belong, is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible.
(1.) Its unity. God has ever had only one church on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged (Isa 49:13-23; 60:1-14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into "their own olive tree" (Ro 11:18-24; comp. Eph 2:11-22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry disciples were "added" to the "church" already existing (Ac 2:47).
(2.) Its universality. It is the "catholic" church; not confined to any particular country or outward organization, but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
(3.) Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an "everlasting kindgdom."
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Behold that I establish my covenant with you and with your seed after you and with every living soul that is with you, of the fowl, of the animals, and of every beast of the earth with you, from all that go out of the ark to every animal of the earth, read more. that I will establish my covenant with you, that all flesh shall not be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living soul that is with you, for perpetual ages: I set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass when I bring clouds over the earth, that the bow shall appear in the clouds; and I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living soul of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the clouds, and I will look upon it that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living soul of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This shall be the sign of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
But the LORD had said unto Abram, Depart out of thy country and from thy nature and from thy father's house unto a land that I will show thee; and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. read more. And I will bless those that bless thee and curse those that curse thee, and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.
Thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons unto the third and fourth generation of those that hate me
Ye stand today, all of you, before the LORD your God, your princes of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and thy strangers that dwell within thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water, read more. that thou may enter into covenant with the LORD thy God and into his oath, which the LORD thy God makes with thee today, to confirm thee today as his people and that he may be unto thee as God, as he has said unto thee, and as he has sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD has comforted his people and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The LORD has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me. read more. Can a woman forget her sucking child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Even though they may forget, I will not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Thy builders shall come in haste; thy destroyers and those that made thee waste shall go forth of thee. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thyself with them all, as with a garment of honour and shalt be girded by them as a bride. For thy waste and thy desolate places and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and those that destroyed thee shall be separated far away. Even thy sons which were fatherless, shall say in thine ears, The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who has begotten me these, seeing I had lost my children and was desolate, a stranger removed from my land? and who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been? Thus has the Lord GOD said, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles and raise up my banner as an example to the peoples: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers and their princesses thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for those that wait for me shall not be ashamed.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. read more. And the Gentiles shall walk to thy light, and the kings to the brightness of thy birth. Lift up thine eyes round about and see: they all gather themselves together; they come to thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shall see, and thou shall shine, and thine heart shall marvel, and be enlarged because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall have come unto thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, rams of Nebaioth shall be served unto thee: they shall be offered up with grace upon my altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? For the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish from the first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified thee. And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall serve thee; for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my good favour I shall have mercy on thee. Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that the strength of the Gentiles may be brought unto thee, and their kings guided. For the people or the kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish and shall be utterly wasted. The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will honour the place of my feet. The sons also of those that afflicted thee shall come humbled unto thee; and at the steps of thy feet all those that despised thee shall bow themselves down; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized each one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation daily such as should be saved.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Now there were in the congregation that was at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused; and most of them did not know why they were come together.
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
do not boast against the branches. But if thou boast, know that thou dost not bear the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off that I might be grafted in. read more. Good; because of their unbelief they were broken off, but thou by faith art standing. Do not be highminded, but fear that if God did not forgive the natural branches, neither shall he forgive thee. Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity, but toward thee, goodness if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And even them, if they do not continue in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is powerful enough to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature and wert grafted contrary to nature into the good olive tree, how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
likewise greet the congregation in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia in Christ.
unto the congregation of God which is at Corinth, to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
For I am the least of the apostles, for I am not worthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the congregation of God.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in Judaism, how that beyond measure I was persecuting and destroying the congregation of God
Therefore remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who were called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh, which is made by hands, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, read more. but now in Christ Jesus ye who at another time were far off are made near by the blood of the Christ. For he is our peace, who of both has made one, breaking down the middle wall of separation, abolishing in his flesh the enmity, which was the law of commandments in the order of rites, to edify in himself the two in one new man, making peace, and to reconcile both with God by the cross in one body, having slain the enmity thereby; and he came and preached peace unto you who were afar off and to those that were near. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are being built together for the habitation of God in the Spirit.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as the Christ is head of the congregation , and it is he who gives saving health to the body.
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it even as the Lord with his congregation :
Salute the brethren who are in Laodicea and Nymphas and the congregation which is in his house.
Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows those that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect
Unto the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write; These things, saith he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
Fausets
From the Greek kuriakee, "house of the Lord," a word which passed to the Gothic tongue; the Goths being the first of the northern hordes converted to Christianity, adopted the word from the Greek Christians of Constantinople, and so it came to us Anglo-Saxons (Trench, Study of Words). But Lipsius, from circus, from whence kirk, a circle, because the oldest temples, as the Druid ones, were circular in form. Ekkleesia in the New Testament never means the building or house of assembly, because church buildings were built long AFTER the apostolic age. It means an organized body, whose unity does not depend on its being met together in one place; not an assemblage of atoms, but members in their several places united to the One Head, Christ, and forming one organic living whole (1 Corinthians 12). The bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-32; 1:22), the body of which He is the Head.
The household of Christ and of God (Mt 10:25; Eph 2:19). The temple of the Holy Spirit, made up of living stones (Eph 2:22; 1Co 3:16; 1Pe 2:5). Ekkleesia is used of one or more particular Christian associations, even one small enough to worship together in one house (Ro 16:5). Also of "the whole church" (Ro 16:23; 1Co 12:28). Ekkleesia occurs twice only in Matthew (Mt 16:18; 18:17), elsewhere called "the kingdom of the heavens" by Matthew, "the kingdom of God" by Mark, Luke and John. Also called Christ's "flock," never to be plucked out of His hand (Joh 10:28), "branches" in Him "the true Vine." Founded on the Rock, "the Christ the Son of the living God," the only Foundation (Mt 16:16,18; 1Co 3:11).
Constituted as Christ's mystical body on Pentecost; thenceforth expanding in the successive stages traced in ACTS. Described in a beautiful summary (Ac 2:41,47). (On its apostasy (See BABYLON .) Professing Christendom numbers now probably 80 million of Greek churches, 90 million of Teutonic or Protestant churches, and 170 million of Roman Catholic churches. The Church of England's definition of the church is truly scriptural (Article xix): "a congregation of faithful men in the which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same." The church that shall reign with Christ is made up of those written in heaven, in the Lamb's book of life, the spirits of just, men made perfect (Heb 12:22-23; Re 21:27).
The faultless perfection and the glorious promises in Scripture assigned to the church (election, adoption, spiritual priesthood, sure guidance by the Spirit into all truth, eternal salvation) belong not to all of the visible church, but to those alone of it who are in living union with Christ (Eph 5:23-27; Heb 12:22-23). The claim for the visible church of what belongs to the invisible, in spite of Christ's warning parable of the tares and wheat (Mt 13:24-30,36-43), has led to some of Rome's deadliest errors. On the other hand, the attempt to sever the tares from the wheat prematurely has led to many schisms, which have invariably failed in the attempt and only generated fresh separations. We must wait until Christ's manifestation for the manifestation of the sons of God (Ro 8:19; Col 3:4).
The true universal church is restricted to "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (1Co 1:2). They are visible in so far as their light of good works so shines before men that their Father in heaven is glorified (Mt 5:16). They are invisible insofar that it is God alone who can infallibly see who among professors are animated by a living, loving faith, and who are not. A visible community, consisting of various members and aggregations of members, was founded by Christ Himself, as needed for the extension and continuation of Christianity to all lands and all ages. The ministry of the word and the two sacraments, baptism, and the supper of the Lord, (both in part derived from existing Jewish rites, Mt 26:26-28; 1Co 5:7-8).
Baptism, the Lord's Supper were appointed as the church's distinctive ordinances (Mt 28:19-20, Greek text): "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and (only on condition of your doing so) I am with you always," etc. (See BAPTISM; LORD'S SUPPER.) The professing church that neglects the precept forfeits the promise, which is fatal to Rome's claims. No detailed church government is explicitly commanded by Jesus in the New Testament. The Old Testament ministry of high priest, priests, and Levites necessarily ended with the destruction of the one and only temple appointed by God. That the Christian ministry is not sacerdotal, as the Old Testament ministry, is proved by the title hiereus, the Greek of the Latin sacerdos, never once being used of Christian ministers.
When used at all as to the Christian church it is used of the whole body of Christians; since not merely ministers, as the Aaronic priests, but all equally, have near access to the heavenly holy place, through the torn veil of Christ's flesh (Heb 10:19-22; 13:15-16; 1Pe 2:19; Re 1:6). All alike offer "spiritual sacrifices." For a minister to pretend to offer a literal sacrifice in the Lord's supper, or to have the sacerdotal priesthood (which pertains to Christ alone), would be the sin which Moses charged on Korah: "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation to bring you near to Himself, ... to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and seek ye the priesthood also?" The temple then not being the model to the Christian church, the synagogue alone remained to be copied.
In the absence of the temple during the captivity the people assembled together on sabbaths and other days to be instructed by the prophet (Eze 14:1; 20:1; 33:31). In Ne 8:1-8 a specimen is given of such a service, which the synagogues afterward continued, and which consisted in Scripture reading, with explanation, prayers, and thanksgivings. The synagogue officers consisted of a "ruler of the synagogue," the "legate of the church" (sheliach tsibbur), corresponding to the angel of the church (Revelation 1-3), a college of elders or presbyters, and subordinate ministers (chazzan), answering to our deacons, to take care of the sacred books. Episcopacy was adopted in apostolic times as the most expedient government, most resembling Jewish usages, and so causing the least stumbling-block to Jewish prejudices (Ac 4:8; 24:1).
James, the brother of our Lord, after the martyrdom of James, the son of Zebedee and the flight of Peter (Ac 12:17), alone remained behind in Jerusalem, the recognized head there. His Jewish tendencies made him the least unpopular to the Jews, and so adapted him for the presidency there without the title (Ac 15:13-19; 21:18; Ga 2:2,9,12). This was the first specimen of apostolic local episcopacy without the name. The presbyters of the synagogue were called also (See BISHOPS, or overseers. "Those now called 'bishops' were originally 'apostles.' But those who ruled the church after the apostles' death had not the testimony of miracles, and were in many respects inferior, therefore they thought it unbecoming to assume the name of apostles; but dividing the names, they left to 'presbyters' that name, and themselves were called 'bishops'" (Ambrose, in Bingham Ecclesiastes Ant., 2:11; and Amularius, De Officiis, 2:13.)
The steps were apostle; then vicar apostolic or apostolic delegate, as Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete, temporarily (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 4:21; Tit 3:12; 1:5), then angel, then bishop in the present sense. Episcopacy gives more of centralized unity, but when made an absolute law it tends to spiritual despotism. The visible church, while avoiding needless alterations, has power under God to modify her polity as shall tend most to edification (Mt 18:18; 1Co 12:28-30; 14:26; Eph 4:11-16). The Holy Spirit first unites souls individually to the Father in Christ, then with one another as "the communion of saints." Then followed the government and ministry, which are not specifie
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the plaza that was before the water gate, and they spoke unto Ezra, the scribe, to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the plaza that was before the water gate, and they spoke unto Ezra, the scribe, to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra, the priest, brought the law before the congregation, both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
And Ezra, the priest, brought the law before the congregation, both of men and women and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read in the book before the plaza that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
And he read in the book before the plaza that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra, the scribe, stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchiah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
And Ezra, the scribe, stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchiah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it, all the people stood up: and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting up their hands; and they humbled themselves and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting up their hands; and they humbled themselves and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, Levites, caused the people to be silent that they might understand the law; and the people were in their place.
And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, Levites, caused the people to be silent that they might understand the law; and the people were in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God clearly and paid attention, and understood the reading.
So they read in the book in the law of God clearly and paid attention, and understood the reading.
Then certain of the elders of Israel came unto me and sat before me.
Then certain of the elders of Israel came unto me and sat before me.
And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD and sat before me.
And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD and sat before me.
And they shall come unto thee as the people come, and they shall be before thee, my people, and they shall hear thy words, but they shall not do them; for with their mouth they flatter, but their heart goes after their covetousness.
And they shall come unto thee as the people come, and they shall be before thee, my people, and they shall hear thy words, but they shall not do them; for with their mouth they flatter, but their heart goes after their covetousness.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the slave as his lord. If they have called the husband of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call those of his household?
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the slave as his lord. If they have called the husband of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call those of his household?
He put forth another parable unto them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is likened unto a man who sows good seed in his field
He put forth another parable unto them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is likened unto a man who sows good seed in his field But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went away.
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went away. But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit, then the tares appeared also.
But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit, then the tares appeared also. So the slaves of the husband of the house came and said unto him, Lord, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? From where then does it have tares?
So the slaves of the husband of the house came and said unto him, Lord, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? From where then does it have tares? He said unto them, The enemy, a man, has done this. The slaves said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
He said unto them, The enemy, a man, has done this. The slaves said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, No, lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
But he said, No, lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.
Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.
Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house, and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house, and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man;
He answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked;
the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked; and the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
and the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this age.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this age. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and those who do iniquity
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and those who do iniquity and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the congregation ; but if he neglects to hear the congregation, let him be unto thee as a worldly man and a publican.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the congregation ; but if he neglects to hear the congregation, let him be unto thee as a worldly man and a publican.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the congregation ; but if he neglects to hear the congregation, let him be unto thee as a worldly man and a publican.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the congregation ; but if he neglects to hear the congregation, let him be unto thee as a worldly man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in the heaven; and whatever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in the heaven.
Verily I say unto you, Whatever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in the heaven; and whatever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in the heaven.
And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and, having blessed it, broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and, having blessed it, broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And taking the cup and having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
And taking the cup and having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, behold, I am with you always even unto the end of the age. Amen.
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, behold, I am with you always even unto the end of the age. Amen.
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone pluck them out of my hand.
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone pluck them out of my hand.
And now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, those whom thou hast given me, keep them in thy name, that they may be one, as we are.
And now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, those whom thou hast given me, keep them in thy name, that they may be one, as we are.
I do not pray that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil.
I do not pray that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil.
So that those who gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
So that those who gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation daily such as should be saved.
praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation daily such as should be saved.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye princes of the people and elders of Israel,
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye princes of the people and elders of Israel,
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to be silent, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go make these things known unto James and to the brethren. And he departed and went to another place.
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to be silent, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go make these things known unto James and to the brethren. And he departed and went to another place.
And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
Simeon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again,
After this I will return and will restore the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and I will set it up again, that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things.
that the men that are left might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled,
Therefore my sentence is that those from among the Gentiles who are converted to God not be troubled,
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
And the day following, Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were gathered.
And the day following, Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were gathered.
And after five days Ananias, the prince of the priests, descended with the elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
And after five days Ananias, the prince of the priests, descended with the elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
For the earnest hope of the creatures waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the earnest hope of the creatures waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.
likewise greet the congregation in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia in Christ.
likewise greet the congregation in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia in Christ.
Gaius my host, and of the whole congregation , salutes you. Erastus, the chamberlain of the city, salutes you, and Quartus, a brother.
Gaius my host, and of the whole congregation , salutes you. Erastus, the chamberlain of the city, salutes you, and Quartus, a brother.
unto the congregation of God which is at Corinth, to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
unto the congregation of God which is at Corinth, to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Each first sabbath let each one of you set aside in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no collections when I come.
Each first sabbath let each one of you set aside in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no collections when I come.
But I went up by revelation and communicated unto them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who seemed to be of repute, to not run, or have run, in vain.
But I went up by revelation and communicated unto them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who seemed to be of repute, to not run, or have run, in vain.
and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision.
and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision.
For before certain ones came from James, he ate with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
For before certain ones came from James, he ate with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
And has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the congregation ,
And has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the congregation ,
Now therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God,
Now therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God,
in whom ye also are being built together for the habitation of God in the Spirit.
in whom ye also are being built together for the habitation of God in the Spirit.
being diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
being diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling,
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all.
one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers,
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ
for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ until we all come forth in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the coming of age of the Christ:
until we all come forth in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the coming of age of the Christ: That we no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive,
That we no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive, but following the truth in charity, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, the Christ:
but following the truth in charity, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, the Christ:
but following the truth in charity, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, the Christ:
but following the truth in charity, let us grow up into him in all things, who is the head, the Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as the Christ is head of the congregation , and it is he who gives saving health to the body.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as the Christ is head of the congregation , and it is he who gives saving health to the body. Therefore, as the congregation is subject unto the Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Therefore, as the congregation is subject unto the Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word,
that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word,
that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word,
that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word, that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So ought husbands to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.
So ought husbands to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it even as the Lord with his congregation :
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it even as the Lord with his congregation : For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the congregation .
This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the congregation .
When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also be manifested with him in glory.
When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also be manifested with him in glory.
where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, slave nor free: but Christ is all and in all.
where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, slave nor free: but Christ is all and in all.
Let the word of the Christ dwell in you in abundance in all wisdom, teaching you and exhorting you one to another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with grace singing in your hearts unto the Lord.
Let the word of the Christ dwell in you in abundance in all wisdom, teaching you and exhorting you one to another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with grace singing in your hearts unto the Lord.
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
Even as I besought thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they not teach diverse doctrine,
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou should correct that which is lacking and set in place elders in every city, as I had commanded thee:
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou should correct that which is lacking and set in place elders in every city, as I had commanded thee:
When I shall send Artemas unto thee or Tychicus, procure to come unto me to Nicopolis; for I have determined to winter there.
When I shall send Artemas unto thee or Tychicus, procure to come unto me to Nicopolis; for I have determined to winter there.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
by a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having that great priest over the house of God,
and having that great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts purified from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water;
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts purified from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water;
but ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
but ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
but ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
but ye are come unto Mount Sion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect
to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect
to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect
to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips confessing his name.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips confessing his name. Do not forget to do good and to fellowship; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Do not forget to do good and to fellowship; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if a man with a gold ring and in precious apparel comes into your synagogue and a poor person in vile raiment also comes in,
For if a man with a gold ring and in precious apparel comes into your synagogue and a poor person in vile raiment also comes in,
and has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
and has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, (but thou art rich), and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, (but thou art rich), and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
And there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean or that works abomination or makes a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
And there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean or that works abomination or makes a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Hastings
1. The word ecclesia, which in its Christian application is usually tr 'church,' was applied in ordinary Greek usage to the duly constituted gathering of the citizens in a self-governing city, and it is so used of the Ephesian assembly in Ac 19:39. It was adopted in the Septuagint to tr a Heb. word, q
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting inheritance; and I will be their God.
and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month, and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it between the two evenings.
Then Moses spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song until they were ended.
And they said, Is there anyone of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And they found that no one from Jabeshgilead had come to the camp nor to the assembly.
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed, this Mount Zion, in which thou hast dwelt.
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed, this Mount Zion, in which thou hast dwelt.
because the LORD shall have built up Zion, and he shall be seen in his glory.
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an eternal covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to turn and will build them, as at the first.
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven shall raise up a kingdom which eternally shall never become corrupted, and this kingdom shall not be left to another people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
And he gave him dominion and glory and kingdom; and all the peoples, nations, and tongues served him: his dominion is an eternal dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom such that it shall never be corrupted.
In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen and close up its breaches; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
And thou, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion shall come unto thee; and the dominion shall come first, the kingdom, to the daughter of Jerusalem.
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance, but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens is at hand.
But the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
And he that does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.
yet he has no root in himself but is temporal, for when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He put forth another parable unto them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens is likened unto a man who sows good seed in his field
which indeed is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and make their nests in its branches.
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto treasure hid in the field, which when found, a man hides it and, for the joy thereof, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls,
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind of fish,
When Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. read more. He said unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in the heavens. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever thou shalt bind on the earth shall be bound in the heavens, and whatever thou shalt loose on the earth shall be loosed in the heaven.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever thou shalt bind on the earth shall be bound in the heavens, and whatever thou shalt loose on the earth shall be loosed in the heaven. Then he charged his disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Then he charged his disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the congregation ; but if he neglects to hear the congregation, let him be unto thee as a worldly man and a publican.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the people that went before and that followed, cried out, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age?
Therefore, when ye see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, which shall stand in the holy place (whosoever reads, let him understand),
When the Son of man shall come in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he shall sit upon the throne of his glory,
Then shall the King say unto those on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
Jesus said unto him, Thou hast said it; nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye and believe the gospel.
But if I with the finger of God cast out the demons, certainly the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
And when he was asked of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation; neither shall they say, Behold it here! or, Behold it there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
neither shall they say, Behold it here! or, Behold it there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Unless ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye shall have no life in you.
For John truly baptized in water, but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said (the number of names together were about one hundred and twenty),
that he may take the lot or inheritance of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas rebelled that he might go to his own place.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food together with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation daily such as should be saved.
And of the multitude of those that had believed was one heart and one soul; no one said that anything he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.
And great fear came upon all the congregation and upon as many as heard these things.
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected in the daily ministry.
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians and Alexandrians and of those of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
This is he, who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him in the Mount Sinai and with our fathers, who received the oracles of life to give unto us;
This is he, who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him in the Mount Sinai and with our fathers, who received the oracles of life to give unto us;
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
As for Saul, he made havoc of the congregation ; entering into the houses and dragging out men and women, he committed them to prison.
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John unto them,
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John unto them,
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, came unto the prince of the priests
Then the congregations had rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and with the comfort of the Holy Spirit they were multiplied.
Then the congregations had rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and with the comfort of the Holy Spirit they were multiplied.
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to be silent, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go make these things known unto James and to the brethren. And he departed and went to another place.
Now there were in the congregation that was at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon that was called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And having ordained elders for them in every congregation and having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole congregation , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, principal men among the brethren; and they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; read more. forasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from foods offered to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the congregations .
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the congregation .
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the congregation .
Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to feed the congregation of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
And the day following, Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were gathered.
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings.
Therefore, in the manner which sin entered into the world by one man, and because of sin, death; and so death passed upon all men in the one in whom all sinned. For until the law, sin was in the world; but the sin was not imputed, there being no law. read more. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even in those that did not sin after the manner of the rebellion of Adam, who is a figure of him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the gift. For if through the offense of that one many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of one man, Jesus the Christ, has abounded unto many. Nor was it in the same manner as by one sin, likewise also the gift; for the judgment truly came of one sin unto condemnation, but grace came of many offenses unto justification. For if by one offense, death reigned because of one man; much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of gifts and of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus the Christ. Therefore, in the same manner that by the iniquity of one guilt came upon all men unto condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one, grace came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, so that in the same manner as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus, the Christ, our Lord.
Know ye not that all of us that are baptized into Jesus the Christ are baptized into his death? For we are buried with him by baptism into death, that just as the Christ was raised up from the dead to the glory of the Father, likewise we also walk in newness of life.
likewise greet the congregation in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia in Christ.
Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the congregations of Christ salute you.
unto the congregation of God which is at Corinth, to those that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God shall destroy that one; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us; therefore let us celebrate the feast, not in the old leaven, neither in the leaven of malice and wickedness, but in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the fellowship of the blood of the Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the fellowship of the body of the Christ? For one loaf of bread means that many are one body, for we are all partakers of that one loaf. read more. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not those who eat of the sacrifices participants of the altar?
So that when ye come together in one place, this is not eating the Lord's supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper first: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. read more. What? Do ye not have houses to eat and to drink in? or do ye despise the congregation of God and shame those that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
What? Do ye not have houses to eat and to drink in? or do ye despise the congregation of God and shame those that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread; read more. and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, after he had eaten supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; do this each time that ye drink, in remembrance of me. For each time that ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye declare the Lord's death until he comes. Therefore whoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let each man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would examine ourselves, we should not be judged. But being judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brothers, when ye come together to eat, wait for one another. And if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home; that ye not come together unto judgment. And I will set the rest in order when I come.
For to one is given by the Spirit a word of wisdom; to another, a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit; read more. to another, the operation of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, different kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues: one and the same Spirit operates all these things, dispersing to each one his own gift as he wills.
Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. And God did set certain ones in the congregation : first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
For I am the least of the apostles, for I am not worthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the congregation of God.
and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision.
For before certain ones came from James, he ate with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Here there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
that in the dispensation of the fulfillment of the times he might restore all things by the Christ, both those which are in heaven and those which are on earth, in him in whom likewise we have obtained an inheritance, having had the way marked out beforehand according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will,
which is the earnest of our inheritance unto the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
And has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the congregation , which is his body, and he is the fullness of her: who fills all things in everyone.
which is his body, and he is the fullness of her: who fills all things in everyone.
that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world,
that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world, but now in Christ Jesus ye who at another time were far off are made near by the blood of the Christ.
but now in Christ Jesus ye who at another time were far off are made near by the blood of the Christ.
but now in Christ Jesus ye who at another time were far off are made near by the blood of the Christ. For he is our peace, who of both has made one, breaking down the middle wall of separation, read more. abolishing in his flesh the enmity, which was the law of commandments in the order of rites, to edify in himself the two in one new man, making peace, and to reconcile both with God by the cross in one body, having slain the enmity thereby;
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God,
how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote above in a few words, by which, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of the Christ), read more. which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of his promise in the Christ by the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the operation of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of the Christ and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the ages has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the congregation the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,
being diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers,
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ
for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ
for the perfecting of the saints in the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of the Christ until we all come forth in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the coming of age of the Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and well tied together among itself by the nourishment that every connecting bond supplies, by the operation of each member according to measure they have received, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in charity.
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
Husbands, love your wives even as the Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself for her,
that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
And he is the head of the body, the congregation , who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.
and by him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross , whether they are the things in the earth or the things in the heavens. And you, that were in another time alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now he has reconciled you read more. in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fulfill in my flesh that which is lacking of the tribulations of the Christ for his body's sake, which is the congregation ,
Salute the brethren who are in Laodicea and Nymphas and the congregation which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the congregation of the Thessalonians congregated in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the congregation of the Thessalonians congregated in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works.
who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works.
saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee.
For by one offering he has perfected for ever those that are sanctified.
and having that great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts purified from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water;
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts purified from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water;
to the congregation of the called out ones of the firstborn, who are registered in the heavens and to God the Judge of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus, the mediator of the new testament and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better than that of Abel.
We have an altar, of which those who serve the tabernacle have no faculty to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. read more. Therefore, Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Let us go forth, therefore, unto him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one that is coming. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips confessing his name. Do not forget to do good and to fellowship; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if a man with a gold ring and in precious apparel comes into your synagogue and a poor person in vile raiment also comes in,
But someone may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, well pleasing to God by Jesus, the Christ.
But ye are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an acquired people, that ye should show forth the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
But ye are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an acquired people, that ye should show forth the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Those here at Babylon, chosen together with you, salute you and so does Mark, my son.
Unto the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write; These things, saith he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
Morish
This English word is said to be derived from the Greek ???????? , which signifies 'pertaining to the Lord,' and is commonly used both for an association of professing Christians, and for the building in which they worship. It is the scriptural use of the word ????????, or 'assembly,' that is here under consideration.
The word is used in reference to Israel in the N.T. on one occasion in Ac 7:38, and to a Gentile throng in Ac 19:32,41. Its first occurrence in relation to Christianity is in Mt 16:18, where upon Peter's confession that Jesus was the Son of the living God, the Lord rejoins, "upon this rock I will build my assembly," etc. Historically this spiritual building, (for 'building' never refers to a material edifice) was begun after His death and resurrection, when the Holy Ghost descended at the day of Pentecost. In this aspect of the church there is no room for any failure
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And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation , and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.
This is he, who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him in the Mount Sinai and with our fathers, who received the oracles of life to give unto us;
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused; and most of them did not know why they were come together.
For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Greeks, whether we are slaves or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
And has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the congregation , which is his body, and he is the fullness of her: who fills all things in everyone.
That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared that we should walk in them.
and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the ages has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the congregation the manifold wisdom of God,
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the congregation the manifold wisdom of God,
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling,
that he might sanctify and cleanse her in the washing of water by the word, that he might present her glorious for himself, a congregation , not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Clothed, therefore, (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) with bowels of mercies, with kindness, with humility, with meekness, with tolerance, forbearing one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a quarrel against another: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. read more. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, into which likewise ye are called into one body, and be ye thankful. Let the word of the Christ dwell in you in abundance in all wisdom, teaching you and exhorting you one to another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with grace singing in your hearts unto the Lord. And whatever ye do whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the God and Father by him.
For this, we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; read more. then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
But if I tarry long, that thou may know how it is expedient to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and likewise some to honour, and some to dishonour.
Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
coming unto whom (is the living Stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious), ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, well pleasing to God by Jesus, the Christ.
Smith
Church.
1. The derivation of the word is generally said to be from the Greek kuriakon (kuriakon) "belonging to the Lord." But the derivation has been too hastily assumed. It is probably connected with kirk, the Latin circus, circulus, the Greek kuklos (kuklos) because the congregations were gathered in circles.
2. Ecclesia (ekklesia) the Greek word for church, originally meant an assembly called out by the magistrate, or by legitimate authority. It was in this last sense that the word was adapted and applied by the writers of the New Testament to the Christian congregation. In the one Gospel of St. Matthew the church is spoken of no less than thirty-six times as "the kingdom." Other descriptions or titles are hardly found in the evangelists. It is Christ's household,
the salt and light of the world,
Christ's flock,
Mt 26:31; Joh 10:15
its members are the branches growing on Christ the Vine, John 15; but the general description of it, not metaphorical but direct, is that it is a kingdom,
From the Gospel then we learn that Christ was about to establish his heavenly kingdom on earth, which was to be the substitute for the Jewish Church and kingdom, now doomed to destruction
The day of Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church. Before they had been individual followers Jesus; now they became his mystical body, animated by his spirit. On the evening of the day of Pentecost, the 3140 members of which the Church consisted were -- (1) Apostles; (2) previous Disciples; (3) Converts. In
we have indirectly exhibited the essential conditions of church communion. They are (1) Baptism, baptism implying on the part of the recipient repentance and faith; (2) Apostolic Doctrine; (3) Fellowship with the Apostles; (4) The Lord's Supper; (5) Public Worship. The real Church consists of all who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ as his disciples, and are one in love, in character, in hope, in Christ as the head of all, though as the body of Christ it consists of many parts.
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Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its savour, with what shall it be salted? From then on it is good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.
Neither do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on the lampstand, and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the slave as his lord. If they have called the husband of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call those of his household?
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever thou shalt bind on the earth shall be bound in the heavens, and whatever thou shalt loose on the earth shall be loosed in the heaven.
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a people bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Then Jesus said unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night; for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
As the Father knows me, even so I know the Father, and I lay down my soul for the sheep.
Watsons
CHURCH. The Greek word ????????, so rendered, denotes an assembly met about business, whether spiritual or temporal, Ac 19:32,39. It is understood also of the collective body of Christians, or all those over the face of the earth who profess to believe in Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Saviour of mankind; this is called the visible church. But, by the word church, we are more strictly to understand the whole body of God's true people, in every period of time: this is the invisible or spiritual church. The people of God on earth are called the church militant, and those in heaven the church triumphant. It has been remarked by Dr. John Owen, that sin having entered into the world, God was pleased to found his church (the catholic or universal church) in the promise of the Messiah given to Adam; that this promise contained in it something of the nature of a covenant, including the grace which God designed to show to sinners in the Messiah, and the obedience which he required from them; and that consequently, from its first promulgation, that promise became the sole foundation of the church and of the whole worship of God therein. Prior to the days of Abraham, this church, though scattered up and down the world, and subject to many changes in its worship through the addition of new revelations, was still but one and the same, because founded in the same covenant, and interested thereby in all the benefits or privileges that God had granted, or would at any time grant. In process of time, God was pleased to restrict his church, as far as visible acknowledgment went, in a great measure, to the seed of Abraham. With the latter he renewed his covenant, requiring that he should walk before him and be upright. He also constituted him the father of the faithful, or of all them that believe, and the "heir of the world." So that since the days of Abraham, the church has, in every age, been founded upon the covenant made with that patriarch, and on the work of redemption which was to be performed according to that covenant. Now wheresoever this covenant made with Abraham is, and with whomsoever it is established, with them is the church of God, and to them all the promises and privileges of the church really belong. Hence we may learn that at the coming of the Messiah, there was not one church taken away and another set up in its room; but the church continued the same, in those that were the children of Abraham, according to the faith. It is common with divines to speak of the Jewish and the Christian churches, as though they were two distinct and totally different things; but that is not a correct view of the matter. The Christian church is not another church, but the very same that was before the coming of Christ, having the same faith with it, and interested in the same covenant. Great alterations indeed were made in the outward state and condition of the church, by the coming of the Messiah. The carnal privilege of the Jews, in their separation from other nations to give birth to the Messiah, then failed, and with that also their claim on that account to be the children of Abraham. The ordinances of worship suited to that state of things then expired, and came to an end. New ordinances of worship were appointed, suitable to the new light and grace which were then bestowed upon the church. The Gentiles came into the faith of Abraham along with the Jews, being made joint partakers with them in his blessing. But none of these things, nor the whole collectively, did make such an alteration in the church, but that it was still one and the same. The olive tree was still the same, only some branches were broken off, and others grafted into it. The Jews fell, and the Gentiles came in their room. And this may enable us to determine the difference between the Jews and Christians relative to the Old Testament promises. They are all made to the church. No individual has any interest in them except by virtue of his membership with the church. The church is, and always was, one and the same. The Jewish plea, is, that the church is with them, because they are the children of Abraham according to the flesh. Christians reply, that their privilege on that ground was of another nature, and ended with the coming of the Messiah: that the church of God, unto whom all the promises belong, are only those who are heirs of the faith of Abraham, believing as he did, and are consequently interested in his covenant. These are Zion, Jerusalem, Israel, Jacob, the temple, or church of God.
2. By a particular church we understand an assembly of Christians united together, and meeting in one place, for the solemn worship of God. To this agrees the definition given by the compilers of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England: "A congregation of faithful men, in which the true word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's ordinances, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same," Ac 9:31; 20:17; Ga 1:2,22; 1Co 14:34; Col 4:15. The word is now also used to denote any particular denomination of Christians, distinguished by particular doctrines, ceremonies, &c, as the Romish church, the Greek church, the English church, &c.
3. On the subject of the church, opinions as opposite or varying as possible have been held, from that of the Papists, who contend for its visible unity throughout the world under a visible head, down to that of the Independents, who consider the universal church as composed of congregational churches, each perfect in itself, and entirely independent of every other. The first opinion is manifestly contradicted by the language of the Apostles, who, while they teach that there is but one church, composed of believers throughout the world, think it not at all inconsistent with this to speak of "the churches of Judea," "of Achaia," "the seven churches of Asia," "the church at Ephesus," &c. Among themselves the Apostles had no common head; but planted churches and gave directions for their government, in most cases without any apparent correspondence with each other. The Popish doctrine is certainly not found in their writings; and so far were they from making provision for the government of this one supposed church, by the appointment of one visible and exclusive head, that they provide for the future government of the respective churches raised up by them in a totally different manner, that is, by the ordination of ministers for each church, who are indifferently called bishops, and presbyters, and pastors. The only unity of which they speak is the unity of the whole church in Christ, the invisible head, by faith; and the unity produced by "fervent love toward each other." Nor has the Popish doctrine of the visible unity of the church any countenance from early antiquity. The best ecclesiastical historians have showed, that, through the greater part of the second century, the Christian churches were independent of each other. "Each Christian assembly," says Mosheim, "was a little state governed by its own laws, which were either enacted, or at least, approved, by the society. But in process of time, all the churches of a province were formed into one large ecclesiastical body, which, like confederate states, assembled at certain times in order to deliberate about the common interests of the whole." So far indeed this union of churches appears to have been a wise and useful arrangement, although afterward it was carried to an injurious extreme, until finally it gave birth to the assumptions of the bishop of Rome, as universal bishop; a claim, however, which, when most successful, was but partially submitted to, the eastern churches having, for the most part, always maintained their independence. To very large association of churches of any kind existed till toward the close of the second century, which sufficiently refutes the papal argument from antiquity. The independence of the early Christian churches does not, however, appear to have resembled that of the churches which, in modern times, are called Independent. During the lives of the Apostles and Evangelists they were certainly subject to their counsel and control,
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Moreover as for me, in no wise should I sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house, and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
Those that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired her for his habitation.
I will also clothe her priests with saving health, and her merciful ones shall shout aloud for joy.
Therefore they shall come and do praises in the height of Zion and shall run unto the goodness of the LORD, unto the bread, and unto the wine, and unto the oil, and unto the gain of the flock and of the herd and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers.
Then the congregations had rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and with the comfort of the Holy Spirit they were multiplied.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused; and most of them did not know why they were come together.
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the congregation .
Let us, therefore, not judge one another any more, but judge this rather: that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us;
But now I have written unto you not to associate with anyone calling himself a brother if he is a fornicator or covetous or an idolater or a railer or a drunkard or an extortioner; with such a one do not even eat.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of the other. read more. Whatever is sold in the market, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake; for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. If any of those that do not believe bid you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you asking no questions for conscience sake. But if anyone says unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, do not eat it for the sake of him that disclosed it and for conscience sake; for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other, for why should my liberty be judged by another man's conscience? For if I by grace am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatever ye do, do everything for the glory of God. Be without offense, neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the congregation of God; even as I please everyone in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new.
Therefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing; and I will receive you
and all the brethren who are with me, unto the congregations of Galatia:
and was unknown by face unto the congregations of Judaea which were in Christ,
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by charity.
Brethren, if anyone is overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.
Brethren, if anyone is overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of the Christ.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers,
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching in this with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Salute the brethren who are in Laodicea and Nymphas and the congregation which is in his house.
Now we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks out of order, and not after the doctrine which ye received of us.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto charity and unto good works, not forsaking our gathering together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much the more, when ye see that day approaching. read more. For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful hope of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Remember your pastors, who have spoken unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation:
My brethren, What shall it profit though someone says that they have faith and do not have works? Shall this type of faith be able to save them?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever.