Monday, June 26, 2006
The Assembly of God (PART IV)
The first use of the term ekklesia in Acts is found after the death of Ananias and Sapphira.
“Great fear seized the whole [assembly] and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11 NIV)
I believe it is safe to assume that the assembly did not originate after Ananias and Sapphira died, but that the word ekklesia is being used for the first time in Acts when referring to the believers in Christ. Therefore, we can learn about how the assembly functioned from Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:23-37, as well as, from Acts 5:12-16. Furthermore, even though the word ekklesia does not appear in Acts 6:1-7, it seems that we can assume that the author of Acts is still referring to the assembly. In other words, what the group of believers was called at the beginning does not seem to be all that crucial. At this point in time, the believers were almost all Jewish if not all Jewish. So the idea that the assembly is a Gentile concept or a concept for Gentiles alone does not appear to be Biblical.
“On that day [Stephen’s stoning] a great persecution broke out against the [assembly] at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1 NIV)
Following the scattering, Gentiles were added to their number: the Ethiopian through Philip; Cornelius through Peter; Greeks in Antioch through Paul and Barnabas; etc. The idea of Gentiles being added to the assembly caused a few disagreements. A meeting was held in Jerusalem to discuss the situation. Following the discussion James, quoting Amos 9:11-12, said:
“After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name.” (Acts 15:16-17 NASB)
This passage might be ultimately fulfilled in the end times; however, from the assemblies’ response, it appears that they applied the prophecy to their current situation.
“Great fear seized the whole [assembly] and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11 NIV)
I believe it is safe to assume that the assembly did not originate after Ananias and Sapphira died, but that the word ekklesia is being used for the first time in Acts when referring to the believers in Christ. Therefore, we can learn about how the assembly functioned from Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:23-37, as well as, from Acts 5:12-16. Furthermore, even though the word ekklesia does not appear in Acts 6:1-7, it seems that we can assume that the author of Acts is still referring to the assembly. In other words, what the group of believers was called at the beginning does not seem to be all that crucial. At this point in time, the believers were almost all Jewish if not all Jewish. So the idea that the assembly is a Gentile concept or a concept for Gentiles alone does not appear to be Biblical.
“On that day [Stephen’s stoning] a great persecution broke out against the [assembly] at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1 NIV)
Following the scattering, Gentiles were added to their number: the Ethiopian through Philip; Cornelius through Peter; Greeks in Antioch through Paul and Barnabas; etc. The idea of Gentiles being added to the assembly caused a few disagreements. A meeting was held in Jerusalem to discuss the situation. Following the discussion James, quoting Amos 9:11-12, said:
“After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name.” (Acts 15:16-17 NASB)
This passage might be ultimately fulfilled in the end times; however, from the assemblies’ response, it appears that they applied the prophecy to their current situation.
# posted by Wesley Son of Cornelius @ 8:17 PM 
