by Timothy W. Burnett
The word church came from the earlier known Greek word ekklesia which basically referred to an assembly of people and must be understood according to the context. Acccording to Acts 19, a church was spontaneously convened in Ephesus after the apostle Paul had spent many days teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Two of Paul's companions, Gaius and Aristarchus were captured and huled into a theatre or stadium. According to verse 32, "the assembly was confused." The word assembly comes from the exact same Greek word as church, ekklesia. Based on the context, this church was not an assembly of believers.
The churches exist any place where believers meet for fellowship. At the same time the church ultimately exists and lives in the homes of believers. Romans chapter 16 includes a long salutation to a number of Christian believers. Paul starts with Phebe who was considered a servant of the church inCenchrea. Next he greets Priscilla and Aquila and the church in their home (Romans 16:3-5). He salutes them who are of the household of Arstobulus (16:10), and them of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord (16:11). He finishes with, "The churches of Christ salute you."
Paul starts his letter to the Corinthians with, "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of the Lord." (1Corinthians 1:2). In this same letter Paul relayed, "Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." (1Corinthians 16:19).
In Paul's letter to the Colossian believers he writes, "Salute the brethren which are in aodicea and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house." (Colossians 4:15). He also writes to Timothy saying, "For if a man knows not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" (1Timothy 3:5). If a man does not make sure that God's love is living in the overall life of his family and home, then how can he spiritually take care of the church of God in his home?
Paul salutes the church in Philemon's home, "Paul...and Timothy our brother unto Philemon...and to the church in your house." (Philemon 1:1-2). If we applied Paul's letter to Timothy, we could say if Philemon does not know how to rule his own house, then how could he possibly take care of the church of God in his house.
Imagine going to church in a believer's home. The smal group gathers together in the living room singing songs, praying and listening to a teaching. Afterward, some stick around and share stories of how God has been working in their lives during the week. Maybe somebody needs ministering during this sweet time of fellowship. Or somebody else sits at the dinner table after the organized meeting and listens as a stronger believer opens up the word more perfectly. It is possible...it is very much possible.
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