NAS Word Usage – Total: 114

1. a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
   1. an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating
   2. the assembly of the Israelites
   3. any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously
   4. in a Christian sense
      1. an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting
      2. a company of Christian, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order’s sake
      3. those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body
      4. the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth
      5. the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven

What is the Etymology of Ekklesia?

To understand “ekklesia,” we first need to look at its Greek roots. The word “ekklesia” is derived from the Greek verb “ek-kaleo,” which means “to call out.” It is a compound word, formed from “ek” (meaning “out of” or “from”) and “kaleo” (meaning “to call”). Thus, at its most basic level, “ekklesia” essentially means “called out.”

The Historical Usage of Ekklesia in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, “ekklesia” was a common term used in a non-religious sense. It referred to a public assembly of citizens who were called out to gather for the purpose of discussing civic matters. These gatherings were typically democratic in nature, as all free citizens had the right to participate in the ekklesia and had a say in decisions affecting the community or city-state.

For example, in Athens, the ekklesia was an important institution where citizens gathered to vote on laws, policies, and other important issues. It was part of the democratic process and played a crucial role in the political life of the city.

The Transition to Religious Context

When the term “ekklesia” was adopted into the New Testament, it took on a more specialized meaning. While retaining its original implication of an assembly or gathering, it began to signify a group of people who were “called out” by God.

Ekklesia in the New Testament

The New Testament uses “ekklesia” more than a hundred times, and its meaning shifts toward a religious and communal context. Most notably, it began to refer to the assembly of believers in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, “ekklesia” is translated into English as “church.” But what does this mean exactly in the Biblical context?

The Early Christian Community

The early Christian ekklesia was an assembly or community of believers who gathered together to worship, pray, and share teachings about Jesus Christ. These assemblies were marked by a sense of community and mutual support. They were the early Christian congregations where members would meet in homes or other designated places to celebrate their faith, share the Eucharist, and listen to the teachings of the Apostles.

An example can be found in Acts 2:42-47, which describes the ekklesia in Jerusalem: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

The Universal Church

Another important aspect of “ekklesia” in the New Testament is its reference to the universal Church—the collective body of all believers, beyond just local gatherings. For instance, in Ephesians 5:25, Paul writes, “Christ loved the church (ekklesia) and gave himself up for her,” indicating a broader, more inclusive concept of the Church that comprises all followers of Christ.

Ekklesia in Different Epistles

Different books of the New Testament use “ekklesia” to address specific local congregations. Paul’s letters often begin with a greeting to the “church” (ekklesia) of a particular city. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:2 states, “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What Does Ekklesia Mean Today?

The term “ekklesia” has evolved over centuries, but its core meaning—an assembly of people called out for a purpose—remains largely intact. Today, when Christians refer to the Church, they are invoking the ancient concept of “ekklesia” as a body of believers, united in their faith and purpose.

The Modern Church Community

In modern Christian communities, the term “church” can still refer to both the local congregation and the global community of believers. Churches continue to serve as places where people gather for worship, community, prayer, and teaching, much like the early Christian ekklesia.

Denominational Ekklesia

Different Christian denominations interpret and implement the concept of ekklesia in various ways. Despite these differences, the underlying principle remains the same: the Church is a community of people called out to follow Christ. Whether it’s a small gathering in a person’s home or a large congregation in a cathedral, the concept of ekklesia as a communal and supportive assembly still forms the backbone of Christian worship and community life.

Conclusion

The term “ekklesia” is more than just a word; it is a concept that has shaped the understanding of the Church from ancient Greece to modern times. Originally meaning “called out” in a civic sense, it evolved through the New Testament to describe the community of believers in Jesus Christ. Today, when Christians gather as a church, they are participating in a tradition that stretches back thousands of years—a tradition rooted in the idea of being called out for a divine purpose.

Understanding what “ekklesia” means in Greek in the context of the Bible provides a deeper appreciation for the roots and significance of the Christian Church. It reminds believers that they are part of an ancient and enduring community, united in their faith and mission. By exploring the rich history and meanings of this term, we gain insight into the foundational role that ekklesia plays in the life of believers and the broader Christian tradition.