Topical Bible: Church: Called Courts

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "Called Courts" within the church refers to the formal assemblies or gatherings convened to address matters of doctrine, discipline, and governance within the Christian community. These courts are rooted in the biblical principles of order, accountability, and the pursuit of truth and justice within the body of Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of resolving disputes and making decisions within a community of believers is deeply embedded in Scripture. In the Old Testament, Moses established a system of judges to help govern the people of Israel, as seen in Exodus 18:25-26: "So Moses chose able men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves."

In the New Testament, Jesus provides guidance on resolving conflicts within the church in Matthew 18:15-17: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

The apostle Paul also addresses the need for orderly conduct and decision-making within the church. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-6, Paul admonishes believers to settle disputes among themselves rather than taking them to secular courts: "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?"

Historical Development

Throughout church history, the concept of called courts has evolved into various forms of ecclesiastical governance. In the early church, councils and synods were convened to address theological controversies and establish doctrinal orthodoxy. The Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15, is an early example where the apostles and elders gathered to resolve the issue of Gentile circumcision.

As the church grew, more formal structures developed, such as the ecumenical councils, which addressed significant theological disputes and heresies. The Council of Nicaea in AD 325, for instance, was pivotal in affirming the doctrine of the Trinity and addressing the Arian controversy.

In the Reformation era, Protestant denominations established their own systems of church courts to maintain doctrinal purity and discipline. Presbyterian and Reformed traditions, for example, developed a hierarchical system of church courts, including sessions, presbyteries, synods, and general assemblies.

Function and Purpose

The primary function of called courts within the church is to uphold the integrity of the faith and ensure that the church operates according to biblical principles. These courts serve several purposes:

1. Doctrinal Clarity: Called courts provide a forum for discussing and resolving theological issues, ensuring that the church remains faithful to the teachings of Scripture.

2. Disciplinary Action: They address matters of church discipline, holding members accountable for their conduct and maintaining the moral and spiritual health of the congregation.

3. Conflict Resolution: Called courts offer a structured process for resolving disputes among believers, promoting reconciliation and unity within the church.

4. Governance and Oversight: They provide oversight of church leadership and administration, ensuring that decisions are made in accordance with biblical principles and the church's established polity.

Conclusion

The concept of called courts is integral to the life and governance of the church, reflecting the biblical mandate for order, justice, and accountability within the body of Christ. Through these assemblies, the church seeks to uphold the truth of the gospel, maintain unity among believers, and faithfully carry out its mission in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 65:4
Blessed is the man whom you choose, and cause to approach to you, that he may dwell in your courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, even of your holy temple.
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Psalm 84:2,10
My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God.
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Psalm 92:13
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
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Psalm 96:8
Give to the LORD the glory due to his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
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Psalm 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful to him, and bless his name.
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Psalm 116:19
In the courts of the LORD's house, in the middle of you, O Jerusalem. Praise you the LORD.
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Isaiah 1:12
When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
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Isaiah 62:9
But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.
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Zechariah 3:7
Thus said the LORD of hosts; If you will walk in my ways, and if you will keep my charge, then you shall also judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you places to walk among these that stand by.
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Library

Excursus on the Public Discipline or Exomologesis of the Early ...
... three divisions within, besides these exterior courts and porch ... doors of the building,
was called the Narthex ... vestibule extending the whole width of the church. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the public discipline.htm

Church Union (Continued).
... blessed, and the whole Church was called to thanksgiving ... They have not yet a single
native church. ... to be, that there will thus be higher courts of jurisdiction ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/ix church union continued.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... the song of Solomon is sung in your courts, and nowhere ... Architect, make that goodly
structure which is called "the temple of Christ, the church of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Not Even when at Church Does He Suppress his Desires. In the ...
... being celebrated within the walls of Thy church, to desire ... honourable, were directed
towards the courts of law ... could they be more truly called than "subverters ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter iii not even when at.htm

The Primitive Church.
... He saw the true heavenly courts, such as Moses had ... bosom be had lain, and Who had
called him beloved. ... wonderful visions, each opening with the Church in Heaven ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxiv the primitive church.htm

Christ is Our Cornerstone
... IV. SPECIAL OCCASIONS Church Building and Consecration 458. ... O then with hymns of
praise. These hallowed courts shall ring; ... To endless rest are called away. ...
/.../church building and consecration 458.htm

The Mediaeval Church in Great Britain and Ireland
... appeals to Rome against the decisions of English courts had come ... Gallican Liturgy,
124 General Councils, 69-71 Gentiles called into the Church, 26 Germany ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter xii the mediaeval church.htm

Temples Built by Constantine the Great; the City Called by his ...
... This place, which is now called Michaelium, lies to the ... which lay on the altar of
this church, was pointed out ... Sozomen was an advocate in the law courts at the ...
/.../chapter iii temples built by constantine.htm

Holiness
... The church of God ... an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The
way ... No lion shall be there, no=The courts of holiness.= "But they that have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter ix holiness.htm

The Church in Babylon
... in the provinces of what is now called Asia Minor. ... no Babylon is so Babylonish but
that a Church of God ... planted anywhere, and yet flourish in the courts of our ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the church in babylon.htm