The Greek word ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) is found in the New Testament 114 times. In secular Greek literature, the word meant “an assembly of citizens.” In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), ekklesia is used to translate the Hebrew word qahal, which stood for “the people of God.” In the New Testament, ekklesia takes on the added meaning of “the called-out ones”—those called out from the world to belong to Christ.
The Christian church began on the day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover when Jesus died. About 120 followers of Christ were meeting together in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was poured out on them (Acts 2:1–4). Peter preached a powerful sermon in which about 3000 people repented, believed in Jesus, and were baptized (Acts 2:14–41). This group of believers made up the first ekklesia—the first assembly of those called out by God to form the church, the body of Christ on earth. Because they were the initial church body, the ekklesia in Jerusalem held a special place of honor in the early Christian movement. Paul would later collect money from the other churches to take to the Jerusalem ekklesia to help support it (Romans 15:25–27).
As the gospel spread and local churches were planted throughout the Roman world, each congregation was considered a unique ekklesia. Paul used that word to refer to the individual assemblies he had helped establish in cities such as Corinth, Galatia, Thessalonica, and Ephesus. In the book of Revelation, Jesus addressed specific messages to the seven major ekklesias located in Asia Minor. Each one received commendation and/or correction from Christ (Revelation 2–3).
The most common term in the Greek New Testament for a local church body is ekklesia. It emphasizes that the church is not just an assembly of people but rather the assembly of God’s called-out ones. However, both the universal church and local churches are called ekklesia. Jesus said, “I will build my ekklesia” (Matthew 16:18). The church as the people of God is the ekklesia. But the visible representation of that worldwide communion on earth is found in the individual assemblies of believers, so they are called ekklesias as well.
A detailed look at how ekklesia is used throughout the New Testament reveals several key characteristics about the nature of the church:
1. Ekklesia describes the whole body of Christ, not just a local assembly (Acts 9:31; 1 Corinthians 10:32; 12:28).
2. Ekklesia consists of those who are “called out” to belong to the Lord (Acts 20:28; Romans 9:24).
3. Ekklesia highlights the communal identity of the church (Acts 5:11; 1 Corinthians 11:18).
4. Ekklesia points to the authority of Christ as the head of the church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23–24).
5. Ekklesia emphasizes the mandate to assemble as believers for worship, fellowship, and service (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25).
In summary, the New Testament writers chose the word ekklesia to convey the new community of faith that began at Pentecost when the first followers of Jesus were empowered to carry the gospel to the world. God had called out these believers from sin and death into new life through the death and resurrection of Christ. United by their common faith in Jesus, they committed themselves to meet together regularly for teaching, prayer, community, breaking of bread, and edification. The church is the worldwide ekklesia of God—all who have been called by Him through the gospel of grace. Local ekklesias are physical manifestations of that universal body of believers.
The ekklesia exists as Christ’s ecclesia—the gathering of the faithful over which He is Lord and Head. The church is the communio sanctorum—the communion of saints who are set apart for God’s purposes. As the ekklesia of God, the church is tasked with glorifying Him and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20). Believers are called out from the world into the body of Christ for worship, growth in grace, and service.
Theologian Millard Erickson said this about the meaning of ekklesia: “It suggests a people who have been called to belong to God and to each other. It reminds us that our personal relationship with Christ necessitates a shared experience of Him in a community.”
The New Testament uses several metaphors and images to describe the ekklesia:
The body of Christ (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 1:22–23). This emphasizes unity and interdependence.
The temple/building of God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:19–22). This points to sacred space where God dwells.
The household of God (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 4:17). This brings out the familial aspect of the church.
The flock of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). This pictures the protective care of Christ.
The bride/wife of Christ (Revelation 19:7, 21:9). This shows the church’s deep relationship with Jesus.
The royal priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6). This expresses the privilege of direct access to God.
In addition to being called an ekklesia in Scripture, the church is known by several other terms that also help us understand its identity and purpose:
“The Way” (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23)—Believers were following the way of salvation through faith in Christ.
“The sect spoken against” (Acts 28:22)—The exclusivity of the gospel often provoked hostility.
“The church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32)—God owns and watches over the church.
“Church of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33)—The church consists of holy ones united in Christ.
“Church of Christ” (Romans 16:16)—Jesus is the head of the church.
“Church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23)—The church is made up of those who have a heavenly inheritance.
“Church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15)—The church has a life-giving connection to God.
“The house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15)—The church is where God’s presence dwells.
In studying these key terms, we see that the New Testament emphasizes that the church is 1) the spiritual body of Christ indwelt by God’s Spirit, 2) a community of faith focused on following Jesus according to the truth of the gospel, and 3) God’s chosen instrument for accomplishing His purposes in the world.
The ekklesia of God—the church—encompasses all true believers in Jesus Christ from Pentecost to the present day. It is manifested visibly in local assemblies of worshipers who have been called out from the world by God to exalt His Son, edify His people, and evangelize the lost. Members of Christ’s ekklesia commit themselves to fulfill these purposes under the authority of Jesus Christ until He returns.
The church is made up of flawed but forgiven sinners who have put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. The ekklesia exists as a colony of heaven on earth (Philippians 3:20) that is moving toward God’s eternal kingdom. Until Christ comes again, the ekklesia serves as God’s redeemed but imperfect ambassadors to the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). The church has been given the responsibility and privilege of being salt and light in the world for God’s glory (Matthew 5:13–16).
There are several important implications of the biblical concept of the church as the ekklesia:
1. The church is not simply a human institution—it is the supernatural, Spirit-birthed creation of God.
2. Church membership requires a life-changing commitment to belong to the Lord and to His people.
3. Loving fellowship within the church demonstrates the reality of the gospel.
4. Gathering regularly for worship and service is a key aspect of being the ekklesia.
5. Preaching, sacraments, prayer and discipline are vital to the church’s health and mission.
6. The church universal finds expression in local congregations.
7. Outreach, evangelism and missions are central to the purpose of the ekklesia.
8. The church is mandated to make disciples and teach obedience to all Jesus commanded.
9. The church is God’s agent of hope, care and change in the world.
10. Jesus Christ is the divine head, lord and leader of the worldwide ekklesia.
In summary, the New Testament concept of ekklesia as “church” reminds believers that they belong to God and to one another. Through the redeeming work of Christ, they have been called out from sin and death into new life as members of Christ’s body. God dwells in their midst by the Spirit as they gather to worship Him and encourage one another. As the ekklesia, they are sent into the world to share the gospel and live out its implications under the authority of Jesus. The church exists to bring glory to God and serve His kingdom purposes until the consummation of all things when Christ returns.
