What does the term 'ekklesia' mean in the New Testament?

The term 'ekklesia' is a significant and multifaceted word in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul and the book of Acts. Understanding its meaning and implications provides profound insights into the nature of the early Christian community and its mission.

'Ekklesia' is a Greek word that is often translated as "church" in English Bibles. However, this translation can sometimes obscure the richness of its original meaning. The term 'ekklesia' itself is derived from two Greek words: 'ek', meaning "out of," and 'kaleo', meaning "to call." Thus, 'ekklesia' literally means "the called-out ones."

In the Greco-Roman world, 'ekklesia' was a common term used to describe a gathering or assembly of citizens called out from their homes into a public place for the purpose of deliberating or making decisions. This secular usage is evident in Acts 19:32, where it refers to a tumultuous assembly in Ephesus. However, the New Testament writers, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, appropriated and deepened the term to describe the community of believers in Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, 'ekklesia' is used predominantly to refer to the collective body of Christians, both in a universal and local sense. For instance, in Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, "I will build my church (ekklesia), and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Here, 'ekklesia' signifies the universal church, the entire body of believers across time and space who confess Jesus as Lord. This is further echoed in Paul's epistles, where he often speaks of the 'ekklesia' in a universal context, such as in Ephesians 1:22-23, where he describes the church as Christ's body, "the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

On the other hand, 'ekklesia' also refers to local congregations or assemblies of Christians. For example, in Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appoint elders "for them in each church (ekklesia)," indicating organized local gatherings of believers. Similarly, Paul addresses many of his letters to specific 'ekklesiai,' such as the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2) or the churches in Galatia (Galatians 1:2).

The use of 'ekklesia' in the New Testament carries profound theological and practical implications. Firstly, it underscores the identity of believers as a distinct and called-out community. This calling is not merely a summons to a social or religious gathering but a divine invitation into a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The 'ekklesia' is thus a community marked by its calling and election by God (1 Peter 2:9), set apart to live out the values and mission of the Kingdom of God.

Secondly, 'ekklesia' emphasizes the communal and corporate nature of the Christian faith. Christianity is not a solitary journey but a communal pilgrimage. The early Christians understood themselves as members of one body, interconnected and interdependent (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This communal aspect is vital for spiritual growth, mutual encouragement, and the effective witness of the gospel. The 'ekklesia' is a family of believers who share in one another's joys and sorrows, bear each other's burdens, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Moreover, the 'ekklesia' is called to be a visible and tangible expression of God's Kingdom on earth. This involves embodying the values of justice, mercy, and love in a broken and hurting world. The early church in Acts exemplified this through their radical generosity, communal living, and commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47). The 'ekklesia' is thus a foretaste of the coming Kingdom, a community where God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

Theologically, the 'ekklesia' is also seen as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27), highlighting the intimate and covenantal relationship between Christ and His church. This metaphor conveys the depth of Christ's love for His church and the church's call to faithfulness and purity. As the bride of Christ, the 'ekklesia' is to prepare herself for the return of her bridegroom, living in holiness and anticipation of the consummation of all things (Revelation 19:7-9).

Furthermore, the 'ekklesia' is entrusted with the mission of God. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is a mandate given to the 'ekklesia' to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Christ has commanded. This mission is not just about numerical growth but about the transformation of lives and societies through the power of the gospel. The 'ekklesia' is to be a light to the nations, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and demonstrating the reality of the Kingdom through word and deed.

In conclusion, the term 'ekklesia' in the New Testament is rich with meaning and significance. It denotes a community of believers called out by God, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the values of God's Kingdom. The 'ekklesia' is both a local and universal reality, a family of faith that embodies the love, justice, and mission of God in the world. Understanding 'ekklesia' in this holistic sense challenges us to reimagine the church not merely as an institution or building but as a vibrant, dynamic, and missional community that reflects the heart of God and advances His purposes on earth.