Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Greet also the church that meets at their house

Romans 16:5

The word “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia (or ecclesia). It comes from ek, meaning "out from and to" and kaleo, meaning "to call," and has to do with a group of people called out from one place and to another. If we were to make this more understandable, we would say that the church is a group of people called out of the world to God. Ekklesia was secular term used during the time of Christ to denote a popular assembly of citizens of the city who met regularly to make and enforce laws—used of any gathering or congregation. We must remember that this word referred to the people.

In Romans 16:5, Paul says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” This church to which Paul alludes is a group of believers who met in a house. It was a local manifestation of the universal church.

Though these days and times, we focus on the church building, the church WAS THE PEOPLE. If this was God’s intention for church, this should be our focus.

PRAYER: Father, I am so grateful for the church and its role in my Christian walk. I realize that you founded the church for a purpose. As I function in my local body, teach me how to serve those you have called to work alongside me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.