Church and Ekklesia
Not Synonymous
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Church and Ekklesia
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Narrated by:
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Larry Peterson
In contemporary Christianity, the words "Church" and "Ekklesia" are often used as if they mean the same thing. However, this assumption overlooks their distinct origins, meanings, and implications. These terms are not synonymous but represent two different concepts shaped by history, language, and theology.
"Ekklesia," a Greek word found throughout the New Testament, refers to an assembly or gathering of people called for a purpose. It is rooted in the idea of community and mission, emphasizing the relational and participatory nature of the early Christian movement. On the other hand, "Church," as commonly understood today, often evokes images of buildings, hierarchies, and institutional structures—concepts that were largely foreign to the first-century believers.
The divergence between these two terms did not occur by accident. It was shaped by centuries of cultural shifts, translations, and theological developments. Understanding the difference between "Church" and "Ekklesia" is not merely an exercise in semantics; it is a journey into the heart of what it means to follow Jesus (Yahshua).