What is the definition of ekklesia? | GotQuestions.org

The Meaning of Ekklesia as a Called-Out Assembly

Hi there. Many others like you have asked us to define Ekklesia. What does it mean? Let's find out, shall we? And you can also discover more on GotQuestions .org. Understanding the definition of Ekklesia is an important component of understanding the church.

Ekklesia is a Greek word defined as a called-out assembly or congregation. Ekklesia is commonly translated as church in the New Testament. Barnabas and Saul met with the church in Antioch and Paul says that he had persecuted the church of God.

Ekklesia in the New Testament and the Assembly in the Wilderness

The called-out assembly then is a congregation of believers whom God has called out of the world and into his wonderful light. The Greek Ekklesia is the basis for our English words ecclesiastical, pertaining to the church, and ecclesiology, the study of doctrine concerning the church.

The word in the New Testament was also used to refer to any assembly of people. In his address to the Sanhedrin, Stephen calls the people of Israel the assembly in the wilderness. And in Acts, Ekklesia refers to a convening of citizens to discuss legal matters.

The Church as a Called-Out People Separate from the World

However, in most contexts, the word Ekklesia is used to refer to the people who comprise the New Testament church. It is important that the church today understand the definition of Ekklesia. The church needs to see itself as being called out by God.

If the church wants to make a difference in the world, it must be different from the world. Salt is different from the food it flavors. In conclusion, God has called the church to be separate from sin, to embrace fellowship with other believers, and to be light to the world.

God’s Call to Separation and the Closing Summary

God has graciously called us unto himself. Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing and I will receive you. That answers your question. What's the definition of Ekklesia?

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