What is the definition of Ekklesia?

Terminology and Etymology

The term “Ekklesia” (Greek: ἐκκλησία) most directly translates to “assembly” or “gathering.” In classical Greek usage, it referred to a summoned group of citizens convened for public considerations. Within the Scriptures and early Christian writings, this concept deepens to signify not just any gathering, but specifically the congregation of believers “called out” by God.

Usage in the Septuagint (LXX)

In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Septuagint), the word ἐκκλησία is used to render the Hebrew “qahal,” meaning “assembly” or “congregation.” For instance, in Deuteronomy 9:10 (LXX), references appear to the “assembly” of Israel called before the Lord. This background sets the stage for understanding how the apostles and early church leaders contextualized the term in the New Testament. Here, it implies a people organized around the worship of the one God, unified by covenantal faith.

New Testament Significance

The New Testament employs “ekklesia” to describe both local and universal gatherings of believers in Christ. When Jesus says in Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it,” He introduces the concept of an enduring body of believers united in Him.

In many of Paul’s letters, “ekklesia” most often denotes local communities of Christians (e.g., “To the church of God in Corinth,” 1 Corinthians 1:2). However, Paul also speaks of the “church” in a universal sense, describing the collective body of believers across regions and generations (Ephesians 1:22–23). This duality of local congregations under the broader umbrella of the universal church illustrates the unified yet diverse nature of the “ekklesia.”

Spiritual Identity and Purpose

Scripture emphasizes that the “ekklesia” is not merely a human institution or a physical building but is fundamentally a spiritual organism composed of those who follow the risen Christ (Romans 12:5). Believers belong to one another as a single body, each member important and interconnected (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Throughout Acts, the early “ekklesia” displayed distinctive hallmarks: doctrine centered on the apostles’ teaching, shared fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). Led by the Holy Spirit, believers gathered in homes, public squares, and sometimes underground venues during periods of persecution. Archaeological findings in regions such as Rome’s catacombs and various historical house-church sites support an early pattern of intimate, close-knit assemblies where believers fostered communal worship, prayer, and mutual support.

Governance and Leadership

New Testament passages detail overseers, elders, or pastors and deacons who guide the local “ekklesia” (1 Timothy 3:1–13). These roles developed to maintain doctrinal truth and facilitate unity. Early church manuscripts, letters from early Christian leaders, and even some secular historical writings (such as those of Josephus and Tacitus) corroborate the existence and functionality of these leadership roles, indicating that from the first century onward, organization and spiritual accountability characterized the gatherings.

Relationship to Christ

Christ is portrayed as the head of the “ekklesia.” Ephesians 5:23 states that “Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.” This dynamic underscores the church’s dependence on Him for life, direction, and ultimate salvation. Coupled with passages such as Colossians 1:18, the Scriptures repeatedly affirm that the “ekklesia” is uniquely bound to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Universal and Local Dimensions

• Universal Ekklesia: Encompasses all believers throughout time who trust in Christ’s atoning work and live under His lordship (Hebrews 12:23).

• Local Ekklesia: Consists of individual communities meeting together for worship, instruction, fellowship, and service within a specific geographic region (Romans 16:5).

Both expressions rely on faithful adherence to the Scriptures, the proclamation of the gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Implications for Believers

Believers are encouraged to gather regularly (Hebrews 10:25), edifying one another in sound teaching, prayer, and discipleship. The “ekklesia” stands as a witness to the world of God’s power, mirroring the unity, love, and holiness taught in Scripture (John 13:35). Historically and presently, the church as a collective “called-out” people testifies that Christ’s kingdom is active and will reach its culmination in eternity.

Comprehensive Definition

In sum, “ekklesia” in Scripture refers to the assembly of those who, through faith in the risen Christ, are spiritually “called out” from the world to belong to God, exemplifying His kingdom through communal life, worship, and steadfast testimony. It is a living fellowship under divine authority, unified by truth, and commissioned to share the hope of salvation.