Saturday, June 24, 2006
The Assembly of God (PART III)
From a quick glance, it appears that the Greek word ekklesia was used to translate the generic assembly of Israel. Further evidence (outside of the Septuagint) can be seen in Stephen’s speech to the Council. He uses the word ekklesia in reference to Israel in the wilderness.
“This is that Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.’ He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.” (Acts 7:37-38 NIV)
“… This is the one [speaking of Moses] who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you.” (Acts 7:38 NASB)
“… This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.” (Acts 7:38 ESV)
It appears that the English word congregation or assembly is a good translation of the Greek word ekklesia. I will refrain from using congregation because, like church, the word congregation may also carry preconceived notions. The word assembly appears to be neutral, and Biblical references can fill up the word with little or no predetermined meaning. Therefore, from now on, the Greek word ekklesia will be translated assembly and inserted into the three English translations used.
“This is that Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.’ He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.” (Acts 7:37-38 NIV)
“… This is the one [speaking of Moses] who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you.” (Acts 7:38 NASB)
“… This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.” (Acts 7:38 ESV)
It appears that the English word congregation or assembly is a good translation of the Greek word ekklesia. I will refrain from using congregation because, like church, the word congregation may also carry preconceived notions. The word assembly appears to be neutral, and Biblical references can fill up the word with little or no predetermined meaning. Therefore, from now on, the Greek word ekklesia will be translated assembly and inserted into the three English translations used.
# posted by Wesley Son of Cornelius @ 11:33 PM 
