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 tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
This is he that was with the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the living oracles to give us,
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what reason they had come together.
And if you desire any thing of other matters, let it be determined in a lawful assembly.
Now I rejoice in sufferings for you, and supply the deficiencies of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church,
not by works of righteousness which we did but according to his mercy he saved us through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
All who are with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith. The grace be with you all.
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous 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
And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And Peter said to them, Change your minds, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved, day by day, to the assembly [church].
And Saul consented to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And there were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch; Barnabas and Simeon called Niger [the black], and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster brother of Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what reason they had come together.
And if you desire any thing of other matters, let it be determined in a lawful assembly.
boast not against the branches; but if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you. You will say then, The branches were broken off that I might be grafted in. read more. Well; they were broken off by unbelief, and you stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear; for if God spared not the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you. See then the goodness and severity of God; towards those that fell, severity, but towards you, the goodness of God, if you continue in goodness, for otherwise you also will be cut off. And they, if they continue not in unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if you have been cut from an olive wild by nature, and grafted contrary to nature into a good olive, how much more shall they according to nature be grafted into their own olive.
and [salute] the assembly at their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to the sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be saints, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours.
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the brother; else were your children impure, but now are they holy.
For I am the least of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God;
For you heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism, that I greatly persecuted the church of God and destroyed it;
Wherefore, remember that you were formerly gentiles by birth, called uncircumcision by that called circumcision made in the flesh by the hand, that at that time you were without Christ, alienated from the polity of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world; read more. but now, in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one and broke down the middle wall of partition, the enmity, and abolished by his flesh the law of commandments [consisting] of ordinances, that of the two he might create in himself one new man, making peace, and reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having destroyed the enmity by it. And he came and preached the good news of peace to you who were far off, and peace to those nigh, for through him we both have access by one spirit to the Father. Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow-citizens of the saints and of the family of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, by which all the building being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in which you also are built up together for a spiritual habitation of God.
for the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; he is the savior of the body.
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless.
for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ also the church;
Salute the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly at his house.
But the foundation of God stands firm, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from wickedness.
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous made perfect,
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks,
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
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your father in heaven.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your father in heaven.
It is sufficient for the disciple to be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they call the members of his family by that name.
It is sufficient for the disciple to be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they call the members of his family by that name.
And he delivered them another parable, saying; The kingdom of heaven is like a man sowing good seed in his field;
And he delivered them another parable, saying; The kingdom of heaven is like a man sowing good seed in his field; and while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed poisonous darnel in the midst of the wheat, and went away.
and while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed poisonous darnel in the midst of the wheat, and went away. But when the stalk grew up and bore fruit, then the poisonous darnel appeared.
But when the stalk grew up and bore fruit, then the poisonous darnel appeared. And the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Whence then has it poisonous darnel?
And the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Whence then has it poisonous darnel? And he said to them, An enemy has done this. And they said to him, Do you wish us to go and take them out?
And he said to them, An enemy has done this. And they said to him, Do you wish us to go and take them out? And he said, No; lest in taking out the poisonous darnel, you pull up the wheat with it;
And he said, No; lest in taking out the poisonous darnel, you pull up the wheat with it; let both grow together till the harvest, and at the time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers, Collect first the poisonous darnel, and bind it in bundles to be burnt; but collect the wheat in my storehouse.
let both grow together till the harvest, and at the time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers, Collect first the poisonous darnel, and bind it in bundles to be burnt; but collect the wheat in my storehouse.
Then leaving the multitudes; he went into the house, and his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the poisonous darnel of the field.
Then leaving the multitudes; he went into the house, and his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the poisonous darnel of the field. And he answered and said to them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man;
And he answered and said to them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the poisonous darnel are the children of the wicked one;
the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the poisonous darnel are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the consummation of the world; and the reapers are angels.
the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the consummation of the world; and the reapers are angels. As, therefore, poisonous darnel is collected and burned with fire, so shall it be at the consummation of the world.
As, therefore, poisonous darnel is collected and burned with fire, so shall it be at the consummation of the world. The Son of man will send his angels, and they shall collect out of his kingdom all offenses, and all that commit wickedness,
The Son of man will send his angels, and they shall collect out of his kingdom all offenses, and all that commit wickedness, and cast them into a furnace of fire; and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
and cast them into a furnace of fire; and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous shall shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. He that has ears, let him hear.
Then the righteous shall shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. He that has ears, let him hear.
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
and if he will not hear them, tell the assembly; and if he will not hear the assembly, let him be to you as a gentile and a publican.
and if he will not hear them, tell the assembly; and if he will not hear the assembly, let him be to you as a gentile and a publican.
and if he will not hear them, tell the assembly; and if he will not hear the assembly, let him be to you as a gentile and a publican.
and if he will not hear them, tell the assembly; and if he will not hear the assembly, let him be to you as a gentile and a publican. I tell you truly, that whatever you bind on the earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you unbind on the earth shall be unbound in heaven.
I tell you truly, that whatever you bind on the earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you unbind on the earth shall be unbound in heaven.
And as they were eating Jesus took the bread, and having blessed, broke and gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And as they were eating Jesus took the bread, and having blessed, broke and gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And taking the cup, and giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it;
And taking the cup, and giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
go and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;
go and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to keep all things which I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always till the consummation of the world.
teaching them to keep all things which I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always till the consummation of the world.
and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish nor shall any one pluck them out of my hand.
and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish nor shall any one pluck them out of my hand.
And I am no longer in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep in thy name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we also are.
And I am no longer in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep in thy name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we also are.
I ask not that thou wouldst take them out of the world, but that thou wouldst keep them from evil.
I ask not that thou wouldst take them out of the world, but that thou wouldst keep them from evil.
Then those that received his word were baptized, and there were added on that day about three thousand souls;
Then those that received his word were baptized, and there were added on that day about three thousand souls;
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved, day by day, to the assembly [church].
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved, day by day, to the assembly [church].
Then Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
Then Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
And making signs to them with his hand to be silent, he related how the Lord had conducted him out of the prison, and said, Tell these things to James and the brothers. And going out he departed to another place.
And making signs to them with his hand to be silent, he related how the Lord had conducted him out of the prison, and said, Tell these things to James and the brothers. And going out he departed to another place.
And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men and brothers, hear me.
And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men and brothers, hear me. Simeon has related how God first visited the gentiles to take a people for his name.
Simeon has related how God first visited the gentiles to take a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written,
And with this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, After this will I return and build up the tabernacle of David which had fallen down, and rebuild its ruins, and set it up,
After this will I return and build up the tabernacle of David which had fallen down, and rebuild its ruins, and set it up, that the rest of men may seek the Lord, even all the nations on whom my name has been called, says the Lord who does these things,
that the rest of men may seek the Lord, even all the nations on whom my name has been called, says the Lord who does these things, known from eternity.
known from eternity. Wherefore I judge that we ought not to trouble those who turned to God from the gentiles,
Wherefore I judge that we ought not to trouble those who turned to God from the gentiles,
And Crispus the synagogue ruler believed in the Lord, with all his house; and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized.
And Crispus the synagogue ruler believed in the Lord, with all his house; and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized.
And on the following day Paul went with us to James, and all the elders were present.
And on the following day Paul went with us to James, and all the elders were present.
AND after five days the chief priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, went down and gave information to the procurator against Paul.
AND after five days the chief priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, went down and gave information to the procurator against Paul.
For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the revelation of the sons of God.
For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the revelation of the sons of God.
and [salute] the assembly at their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.
and [salute] the assembly at their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.
Gaius my entertainer, and the entertainer of all the church, salutes you. Erastus the treasurer of the city and Quartus the brother salute you.
Gaius my entertainer, and the entertainer of all the church, salutes you. Erastus the treasurer of the city and Quartus the brother salute you.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to the sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be saints, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to the sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be saints, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours.
in the name of our Lord Jesus you being assembled together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus
in the name of our Lord Jesus you being assembled together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay aside by himself in store as God has prospered him, that there may be no collections made when I come.
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay aside by himself in store as God has prospered him, that there may be no collections made when I come.
and I went up by a revelation, and proposed to them the gospel which I preach to the gentiles, but privately to persons of distinction, lest I should run or had run in vain.
and I went up by a revelation, and proposed to them the gospel which I preach to the gentiles, but privately to persons of distinction, lest I should run or had run in vain.
For before some came from James he eat with the gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself; fearing those of the circumcision;
For before some came from James he eat with the gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself; fearing those of the circumcision;
and put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the church,
and put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the church,
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow-citizens of the saints and of the family of God,
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow-citizens of the saints and of the family of God,
in which you also are built up together for a spiritual habitation of God.
in which you also are built up together for a spiritual habitation of God.
using diligence to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, as you also are called in one hope of your call;
There is one body, and one spirit, as you also are called in one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in 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, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ,
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, that we may be no longer children, driven about like waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the art of men, and the craftiness of deceitful wiles,
that we may be no longer children, driven about like waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the art of men, and the craftiness of deceitful wiles, but speaking the truth with love we may grow to him in all things, who is the head, Christ;
but speaking the truth with love we may grow to him in all things, who is the head, Christ;
but speaking the truth with love we may grow to him in all things, who is the head, Christ;
but speaking the truth with love we may grow to him in all things, who is the head, Christ; by whom all the body being joined together and compacted by the supply of every joint, according to the proportionate operation of every part, makes increase of the body to the edification of itself in love.
by whom all the body being joined together and compacted by the supply of every joint, according to the proportionate operation of every part, makes increase of the body to the edification of itself in love.
by whom all the body being joined together and compacted by the supply of every joint, according to the proportionate operation of every part, makes increase of the body to the edification of itself in love.
by whom all the body being joined together and compacted by the supply of every joint, according to the proportionate operation of every part, makes increase of the body to the edification of itself in love.
for the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; he is the savior of the body.
for the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; he is the savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also let wives be subject to husbands in every thing.
But as the church is subject to Christ, so also let wives be subject to husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify it, purifying it with the washing of water with the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it with the washing of water with the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it with the washing of water with the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it with the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless.
that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless.
that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless.
that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless. Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself;
Husbands ought 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, as Christ also the church;
for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ also the church; for we are members of his body.
for we are members of his body. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; but I speak of Christ and the church.
This is a great mystery; but I speak of Christ and the church.
when Christ your life shall be made manifest, then shall you also be made manifest in glory.
when Christ your life shall be made manifest, then shall you also be made manifest in glory.
where there are not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, servant, freeman, but Christ is all things and in all.
where there are not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, servant, freeman, but Christ is all things and in all.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching with all wisdom, and admonishing one another, with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God,
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching with all wisdom, and admonishing one another, with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
As I requested you to remain at Ephesus, when going into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to preach another doctrine,
For this cause I left you in Crete, that you might regulate things which are deficient, and appoint elders in every city, as I charged you,
For this cause I left you in Crete, that you might regulate things which are deficient, and appoint elders in every city, as I charged you,
When I send you Artemas, or Tychicus, make haste to come to me at Nicopolis; for there I have determined to spend the winter.
When I send you Artemas, or Tychicus, make haste to come to me at Nicopolis; for there I have determined to spend the winter.
HAVING therefore, brothers, confidence in respect to the entrance into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,
HAVING therefore, brothers, confidence in respect to the entrance into the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, which [entrance] he consecrated for us a new and living way through the vail, that is his flesh,
which [entrance] he consecrated for us a new and living way through the vail, that is his flesh, and [having] a great priest over the house of God,
and [having] a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, sprinkled in heart from an evil conscience, and washed in body with pure water,
let us approach with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, sprinkled in heart from an evil conscience, and washed in body with pure water,
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous made perfect,
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous made perfect,
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous made perfect,
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Through him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually to God, that is, the fruit of lips confessing his name.
Through him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually to God, that is, the fruit of lips confessing his name. And forget not beneficence and liberality; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
And forget not beneficence and liberality; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there comes into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in splendid clothing, and there also comes in a poor man in vile clothing,
For if there comes into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in splendid clothing, and there also comes in a poor man in vile clothing,
and made us a kingdom, priests to God even his Father, to him be the glory and the power forever; amen.
and made us a kingdom, priests to God even his Father, to him be the glory and the power forever; amen.
I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich, and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich, and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
And there shall not enter into it any thing that is defiled, nor any one that commits an abomination and falsehood, but those enrolled in the Lamb's book of life.
And there shall not enter into it any thing that is defiled, nor any one that commits an abomination and falsehood, but those enrolled 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
I indeed baptize you with water to a change of mind; but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not fit to bear; he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and fire;
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Change your minds; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
but the children of the kingdom shall be cast into the darkness outside; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
and he that does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
but has no root in himself, but is only a temporary [disciple]; and when affliction or persecution arises on account of the word, he is immediately offended.
And he delivered them another parable, saying; The kingdom of heaven is like a man sowing good seed in his field;
which is the least of all seeds, but when it is grown is the greatest of plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of heaven come and lodge on its branches.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field, which a man found, and concealed, and went away with joy, and sold all that he had and bought that field. Again; the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,
Again; the kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea, and collecting [fish] of every kind,
And Jesus coming into the parts of Cesarea Philippi, asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? And they said, Some, John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. read more. And he said to them, Who say you that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonas, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on the earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on the earth shall be unbound in heaven.
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on the earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on the earth shall be unbound in heaven. Then he charged his disciples to tell no man that he was the Christ.
and if he will not hear them, tell the assembly; and if he will not hear the assembly, let him be to you as a gentile and a publican.
And Jesus said to them, I tell you truly, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, shall yourselves also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel;
and the multitudes that went before, and those that followed, cried saying, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest [heavens]!
And as he sat on the Mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us when these things shall be; and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the consummation of the world?
When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place??et him that reads understand,??16 then let those in Judea flee to the mountains.
But when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory,
Then shall the king say to those on his right hand, Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
Jesus said to him, As you say; but I tell you that hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
And after John was delivered up Jesus came into Galilee preaching the good news of God, saying, The time is completed, and the kingdom of God is at hand; change your minds and believe in the good news.
But if by a finger of God I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Fear not, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom.
And being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God comes, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God comes not with observation; neither shall they say, Behold here! or, there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
neither shall they say, Behold here! or, there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Then Jesus said to them, I tell you most truly, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
that John baptized indeed with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit after a few days.
And in those days Peter standing up in the midst of the brothers, said??he multitude together was about a hundred and twenty??16 Men and brothers, it was necessary that the Scripture should be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who became a guide to them that apprehended Jesus;
to take the place of this service and apostleship from which Judas fell by transgression to go to his place.
and there appeared to them divided tongues as of fire, and [one] sat on each one of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
and they attended constantly to the teaching and companionship of the apostles, the breaking of bread and the prayers.
and continuing day by day with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of food with gladness and simplicity of mind, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved, day by day, to the assembly [church].
AND the multitude that believed had one heart and one soul, and none said that anything of his possessions was his; but they had all things common.
And great fear was on all the assembly [church], and on all that heard of these things.
AND in those days the disciples being multiplied, there was a complaint of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, that their widows were neglected in the daily service.
But some members of the synagogue called that of the Libertines and Cyrenians and Alexandrians and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen,
This is he that was with the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the living oracles to give us,
This is he that was with the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the living oracles to give us,
And Saul consented to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul consented to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul consented to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul consented to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution of the church at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
But Saul persecuted the church, and going from house to house, seizing men and women, committed them to prison.
And the apostles at Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John,
And the apostles at Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John,
BUT Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the chief priest
Then had the church peace in all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Then had the church peace in all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
And making signs to them with his hand to be silent, he related how the Lord had conducted him out of the prison, and said, Tell these things to James and the brothers. And going out he departed to another place.
And there were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch; Barnabas and Simeon called Niger [the black], and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster brother of Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.
And having appointed them elders in every church, and having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
There being therefore no little dissension and disputation of Paul and Barnabas with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem, concerning this question.
And after they were silent, James answered, saying, Men and brothers, hear me.
Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with all the assembly [the church], to send delegates from themselves to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, writing by their hand, The apostles and elders and brothers, to the brothers in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, who are of the gentiles, greeting. read more. Since we heard that some going out from us have troubled you with words subverting your souls, to whom we gave no charge, it seemed good to us, being of one opinion, to send delegates to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they will tell you the same things by word. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to put no greater burden upon you except these necessary things; that you should abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and blood, and things strangled, and fornication, from which if you keep yourselves you will do well. Farewell.
And if you desire any thing of other matters, let it be determined in a lawful assembly.
And from Miletus sending to Ephesus he called for the elders of the church.
And from Miletus sending to Ephesus he called for the elders of the church.
Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood.
Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood.
Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood.
Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood.
And on the following day Paul went with us to James, and all the elders were present.
But after many years I came to bring charities and offerings to my nation,
Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so came upon all men because all sinned,??13 for till the law there was sin in the world, but sin is not accounted where there is no law
but death reigned from Adam till Moses even over those that sinned not after the similitude Adam's transgression, who is a type of him that was to come; but not as the fall so also is the gift; for if by the fall of one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by grace which is of the one man Jesus Christ, abounded to the many; read more. and not as through one that sinned is the gift; for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the gift was from many sins to a righteous ordinance; for if by one fall death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of the grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ;??18 therefore, as through the fall of one [judgment came] on all men to condemnation, so also through the righteous ordinance of one [the gift comes] on all men to justification of life;
for as through the disobedience of the one man the many were constituted sinners, so also through the obedience of the one shall the many be constituted righteous. For the law supervened that the fall might abound; but where the sin abounded the grace was superabundant, read more. that as sin reigned in death, so the grace shall reign through righteousness in life eternal through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized in Christ were baptized in his death? We have been buried therefore with him through baptism in death, that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.
and [salute] the assembly at their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruit of Asia to Christ.
Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to the sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be saints, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours.
Know you not that you are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any one destroys the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God which you are is holy.
Remove the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, as you are unleavened; for Christ our passover was also sacrificed for us. Let us therefore keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with a leaven of vice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation of the body of Christ? For we, being many, are one bread, one body; for we all partake of the one bread. read more. Consider Israel after the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
When you come together therefore, it is not to eat the Lord's supper, for each one in eating takes his supper before the rest, and one is hungry and another drunk. read more. Have you not [food] to eat and drink at your houses? or do you despise the church of God, and shame those who have not [houses]? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you? In this I commend you not.
Have you not [food] to eat and drink at your houses? or do you despise the church of God, and shame those who have not [houses]? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you? In this I commend you not. For I received of the Lord, what I also delivered to you; that on the night in which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread read more. and giving thanks broke, and said, This is my body, which is for you; this do in remembrance of me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant [sealed] with my blood; this do, as often as you drink, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you declare the Lord's death till he comes. So that whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup; for he eats and drinks judgment to himself, who eats and drinks not discerning the body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you and some sleep. For if we judged ourselves we should not be judged; but being judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait one for another. If any one is hungry let him eat at home, that you come not together for judgment. The other things I will arrange when I come.
For to one is given by the Spirit a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit, and to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of performing cures by the same Spirit, read more. and to another the performance of mighty works, and to another prophecy, and to another discrimination of spirits, and to another different tongues, and to another an interpretation of tongues; but all these [works] performs one and the same Spirit, distributing to each in particular as it wills.
And you are a body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then powers, then gifts of performing cures, aids, governments, different tongues.
For I am the least of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God;
For before some came from James he eat with the gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself; fearing those of the circumcision;
for as many of you as are baptized in Christ, have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither servant nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And whoever walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.
in respect to the dispensation of the fullness of times, to bring all things into one in Christ, the things which are in heaven and the things which are on earth, in him in whom also we have been called, having been predestinated according to the purpose of him who works out all things according to the counsel of his will,
which is a pledge of our inheritance for the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.
and put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all things in all.
which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all things in all.
that at that time you were without Christ, alienated from the polity of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world;
that at that time you were without Christ, alienated from the polity of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world; but now, in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been made nigh by the blood of Christ.
but now, in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been made nigh by the blood of Christ.
but now, in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one and broke down the middle wall of partition, read more. the enmity, and abolished by his flesh the law of commandments [consisting] of ordinances, that of the two he might create in himself one new man, making peace, and reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having destroyed the enmity by it.
for through him we both have access by one spirit to the Father.
for through him we both have access by one spirit to the Father.
for through him we both have access by one spirit to the Father.
for through him we both have access by one spirit to the Father. Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow-citizens of the saints and of the family of God,
that by revelation the mystery was made known to me,??s I wrote before in a few words, by reading which you can understand my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,??5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
that the gentiles are co-heirs and of the same body and joint partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister by the gracious gift of God, given to me by the operation of his power. read more. To me, who am the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to enlighten all men as to the dispensation of the mystery concealed from eternity in God who created all things, that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly [worlds] should be made known, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord,
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, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ,
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ,
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
by whom all the body being joined together and compacted by the supply of every joint, according to the proportionate operation of every part, makes increase of the body to the edification of itself in love.
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it,
that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless.
and he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that he might himself be preeminent in all things,
and through him to reconcile all things to himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether things on the earth or things in the heavens. And you, formerly alienated and enemies in mind by evil works, he has now reconciled read more. by the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blame and without fault before him,
Now I rejoice in sufferings for you, and supply the deficiencies of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church,
Salute the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly at his house. And when this letter has been read with you, cause that it be also read by the church of the Laodiceans; and do you also read that from Laodicea.
And when this letter has been read with you, cause that it be also read by the church of the Laodiceans; and do you also read that from Laodicea.
PAUL and Sylvanus [Silas] and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be to you and peace.
PAUL and Sylvanus [Silas] and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be to you and peace.
And confessedly great is the mystery of piety; [Christ,] who was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, was seen by angels, was preached to the nations, was believed on in the world, was received up into glory.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all wickedness, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all wickedness, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
saying, I will declare thy name to my brothers, in the midst of the assembly will I sing to thee.
For by one offering he has perfected forever the sanctified.
and [having] a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, sprinkled in heart from an evil conscience, and washed in body with pure water,
let us approach with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, sprinkled in heart from an evil conscience, and washed in body with pure water,
and to the church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge the God of all, and to spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to a sprinkled blood which speaks better than Abel.
We have an altar of which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is carried into the sanctuary by the chief priest are burnt without the encampment. read more. Wherefore also Jesus, that he might purify the people through his blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go out to him without the encampment, bearing his reproach; for we have not here a city that continues, but we seek that which is to come. Through him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually to God, that is, the fruit of lips confessing his name. And forget not beneficence and liberality; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there comes into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in splendid clothing, and there also comes in a poor man in vile clothing,
But some one will say, You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by works.
do you also yourselves be built up living stones, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices well pleasing to God through Jesus Christ,
But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you should declare the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his glorious light;
But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you should declare the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his glorious light;
The co-elect [church] at Babylon salutes you, and Mark my son.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks,
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 tell you that you are Peter [a rock], and upon this rock will I build my assembly, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
I tell you most truly, that unless the kernel of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it continues alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
This is he that was with the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the living oracles to give us,
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what reason they had come together.
for we have all been baptized with one Spirit in one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or freemen, and have all been made to drink one Spirit.
and put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all things in all.
that he might show in the ages to come the transcendent riches of his grace in goodness to us by Jesus Christ.
for we are his creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, in which God before appointed that we should walk.
and to enlighten all men as to the dispensation of the mystery concealed from eternity in God who created all things, that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly [worlds] should be made known, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God,
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly [worlds] should be made known, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God,
There is one body, and one spirit, as you also are called in one hope of your call;
that he might sanctify it, purifying it with the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any thing of the kind, but that it should be holy and blameless.
Put on, therefore, as elect and beloved saints of God, hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another if any one has a charge against any, as Christ forgave you, so [do] you also, read more. and in addition to all these [put on] love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for which you have been called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching with all wisdom, and admonishing one another, with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God, and whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the God [and] Father through him.
For we tell you this by the word of the Lord, that we who live and remain till the coming of the Lord, shall not anticipate those that have fallen asleep, for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, read more. then we the living who remain shall be caught up together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall be always with the Lord. Comfort one another, therefore, with these words.
but if I delay, that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but those also of wood and clay, and some for honor and some for dishonor;
But avoid youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
To whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed by men but approved by God, elect, precious, do you also yourselves be built up living stones, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices well pleasing to God through Jesus 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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You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its strength, with what shall it be seasoned? It is good for nothing more, except being cast out to be trodden upon by men.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a modius [1.916 gallon measure], but on a candlestick, and it shines to all in the house.
It is sufficient for the disciple to be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they call the members of his family by that name.
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on the earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on the earth shall be unbound in heaven.
I tell you, therefore, that the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation yielding its fruits.
Then Jesus said to them, You will all be offended with me this night; for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered;
as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I give my life 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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and they attended constantly to the teaching and companionship of the apostles, the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Then had the church peace in all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what reason they had come together.
And if you desire any thing of other matters, let it be determined in a lawful assembly.
And from Miletus sending to Ephesus he called for the elders of the church.
Let us not therefore judge one another, but judge this rather, not to place a stumbling-block or an offense before a brother.
Remove the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, as you are unleavened; for Christ our passover was also sacrificed for us.
But now I have written to you not to associate, if any one called a brother is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, even to eat with such a one.
All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own but the good of another. read more. Whatever is sold in the market eat, asking no questions for conscience' sake; for the earth is the Lord's and all it contains. But if an unbeliever invites you and you wish to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for conscience' sake. But if any one says to you, This has been offered to an idol, eat not for his sake that informed you, and for conscience' sake. I mean not your conscience, but that of the other. For why is my freedom limited by the conscience of another? If I partake with thanks, why am I blamed for that for which I give thanks? Whether then you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Be without offense both to Jews and Greeks, and the church of God, as I also please all in all things, not seeking my own profit but that of many, that they may be saved.
So that if any one is in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.
Go out therefore from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, and touch not the impure; and I will receive you,
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love.
Brothers, if a man is overtaken with any fault, do you that are spiritual restore such a one with a spirit of meekness, considering yourself; lest you also be tried.
Brothers, if a man is overtaken with any fault, do you that are spiritual restore such a one with a spirit of meekness, considering yourself; lest you also be tried. Bear one another's burdens, and so perform the law of Christ.
And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
praying with all prayer and supplication on every occasion with the spirit, and watching in the same with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
Salute the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly at his house.
And we charge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
and let us observe one another for a provocation of love and of good works, not forsaking our own congregation as some are in the habit of [doing], but exhorting [others], and so much the more as you see the day approaching. read more. For if we sin willingly after having received the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice left for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which is about to consume the adversaries.
Remember your guides who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the end of their life follow the faith.
What is the profit, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has not works? Can faith save him?
For as the body without a spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
having been born again, not from destructible seed but from indestructible, through the word of God which lives and endures.