The Church of Jesus Christ: Ekklesia word study part 6: Ephesians / Colossians / Philemon / Hebrews

Brother Ross continues the exhaustive word study on ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) – every NT use! This lesson examines Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, & Hebrews.

“Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18)

🔥 Key Takeaways & Interactive Review:

Ἐκκλησία = Assembly / Congregation (called-out to assemble).

Etymology: ek (out of) + kaleo (call) → called out to assemble.

NOT “called-out ones floating invisibly” – must gather (Heb 10:25).

Three verses in the KJV where it is not Jesus Christ's church/congregation: Acts 19:32, 39, 41 → “assembly” (pagan mob worshiping Diana). Ekklēsia = visible, local gathering (even for idolaters!)

Roman Catholic view:

No salvation outside the Roman Catholic religion, the visible hierarchy from the Pope down to the laity. The church is universal and visible.

Protestant State-Church View:

There is no salvation outside of the universal, invisible church.

Biblical (Baptist) View: Local + Visible assemblies.

Universal/Invisible = Family of God or Kingdom (not “church”).
Born again → Baptized → Church member (reverse of Catholic order).

🛡️ Two Types of Biblical Usage of “Church”:

Specific Congregation (most common):

Church in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Thessalonica, etc.
Philippians 4:15 – “No church communicated… but ye only” (Philippi).
Colossians 4:15 – Church in Nymphas’ house.
Philemon 2 – Church in thy house (Philemon’s home).

Generic Noun (general truth for any true church):

Eph 5:23 – “Christ is the head of the church” = head of each local assembly (like “the husband is head of the wife”).
Col 1:18 – Christ head of the body, the church (generic).
1 Tim 3:5 – Overseer must rule house → “take care of the church of God” (any congregation).
1 Tim 3:15 – “The church… pillar & ground of the truth” = every local church with bishops/deacons.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Highlights (Ephesians → Hebrews):

Phil 3:6 – Paul persecuted the church (Jerusalem assembly; could read generic).
Col 1:18, 24 – Christ head of the church = each local body (generic).
Col 4:15–16 – Churches in Laodicea & Nymphas’ house; copying Scripture (NT canon circulation!).
1 Thess 1:1; 2:14 – Church of the Thessalonians; churches of God in Judaea (plural = multiple local).
2 Thess 1:1, 4 – Same Thessalonian church; glory in churches of God (local endurance).
1 Tim 3:5, 15 – Bishop rules the church; house of God = local assembly (pillar of truth).
1 Tim 5:16 – The church relieves true widows (generic rule for any congregation).
Phm 2 – Church in thy house (Philemon’s home assembly).
Heb 2:12 (Psalm 22:22) – Christ sings in the midst of the church → Pre-Pentecost assembly (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26 – hymn after Lord’s Supper). (The church existed BEFORE Pentecost!)

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 – Matt 16:18 + Prayer
00:53 – Review: Ekklēsia = assembly; Acts 19 exceptions
08:24 – Catholic vs. Biblical views
13:29 – Local/Visible vs. Family of God
15:19 – Specific vs. Generic uses
17:03 – Generic noun examples (1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23)
20:56 – Philippians refs
24:37 – Colossians refs (parallel to Ephesians)
28:20 – Thessalonians refs
32:36 – 1 Timothy refs (bishop qualifications)
39:28 – Philemon 2
40:32 – Hebrews 2:12 → Pre-Pentecost church!
44:03 – Catholic influence warning
48:17 – Closing Prayer

💡 Why It Matters:

No “universal church” in Scripture – burden of proof on advocates (none met).
Local churches = God’s house, pillar of truth, Christ’s body, where He sings!
Unsaved in membership? → Got wet, not baptized.

📖 Series Playlist: Ekklesia Word Study (8 Parts)
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