I often say in conversation or in my writings, that ekklesia (pronounced ek klay see ah), is not the original Greek word for church. Yet, I am well aware that anyone can google the word church, and find references that imply church and ekklesia are the same. This of course, this would appear to contradict everything I’ve said. There is a growing number of writers, and online references that reveal the accurate Greek word for church is kyriakos or kyriakon. On the surface, there are compelling arguments for both for ekklesia to be interpreted as church, and for ekklesia not being the same as church. More confusion ensues as even among those who embrace the true understanding of ekklesia as they yet continue to use church and ekklesia interchangeably. Implicit in this practice is that church and ekklesia are the same. Again, I assert that they are not. What Difference Does It Make?
apostolic and prophetic ministers has declared that in 2017, “Many will teach on the “ekklesia” from their pulpits and in their conferences, inspiring the people of God to arise and be the called-out ones”. All ancient manuscripts are clear on the fact that Jesus said He would build an ekklesia. He had other choices that were more ‘religious’ in their connotations. He could have said He would build His temple, which was the most common religious institution of His day. Likewise, He could have said He would build His synagogue, where the Torah and writing of the prophets were read on discussed. Instead, He said He would build His ekklesia, a secular entity, which was commonly known in that day as an arm of the Roman government. Why would Jesus use a term that was understood in secular terms, and that probably had some negative baggage attached to it? Why would Jesus use a term that was understood in secular terms, and that probably had some negative baggage attached to it? The late Dr. Myles Monroe wrote, “The ekklesia was an arm of the Roman government that helped the governor administer the policies of Rome. Their job was to help ensure that the policies and decrees of Rome passed down to them through the governor were enacted and enforced throughout the region of their jurisdiction” (see God’s Big Idea: Reclaiming God’s Original Purpose for Your Life ©2008 Myles Monroe). The people in Jesus day not only understood WHO the ekklesia were, but they also understood WHAT they did. The ekklesia could establish policies, legislate, confer or deny citizenship, and elect officials. They were in fact, a called out ruling council. By using the word ekklesia, Jesus was declaring that in the same way that the Roman ekklesia was to ensure the policies of the governor of Rome were enacted, His ekklesia would be the arm of the Kingdom of God that would ensure that the polices and decrees of heaven were enacted and enforced in the earth (Matthew 16:19, Mark 16:17-18; John 20:23). Where Did Church Come From? Although most English bibles translate the ekklesia into church, the fact is that church is a mistranslation. What is even more startling, is that this mistranslation was no accident. In 1611, King James gathered a team of 47 scholars to produce what is now known to be the King James Bible. The king gave this group of translators fifteen rules they had to follow in their work. It was rule number three that is so revealing. Here is what he instructed them to do:
Why would he explicitly instruct the translators to incorrectly use the word ‘church’? King James had made himself the head of the Church of England that he ruled through bishops he had appointed. He also considered himself to be a god and said it was a crime to argue about what a king can do. This blog cannot cover all the details of King James mindset, but it is clear, that the third rule exposed his intent to insure his rule was not threatened. Here’s The Problem…
never used. When you think of church, you generally think of the building you go to, or the denomination you belong to. Only as an afterthought are phrases like, “we are the church” or “the church is in me” evoked. Neither of these express the true meaning of ekklesia. Make an intentional effort to stop using the word church (Yes, I still slip and use the word church from time to time, but I am working on it). More and more I am using words like ‘congregation’, ‘assembly’, ‘gathering’ and ‘ministry’ to describe local bodies of believers. The ancient Tyndale and Geneva bible used these words, which is in effect more accurate to the original language. For a season, as you read scripture, insert the words ‘ruling council’ where ever you see the word ‘church’. Obviously, this is not a perfect translation of the word ekklesia, but this exercise will help you begin to see the Lord’s intent. Don’t fear the facts. The implications of understanding ekklesia is enormous for you. It will undoubtedly challenge many religious norms. I believe the Lord is uncovering this truth in this season to empower the Body of Christ. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will clear up any confusion regarding ekklesia and church. “…for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the assemblies of the saints” (1Corinthians 14:33 World English Bible). Jesus is still building His ekklesia with believers like you. Get ready. The best is yet to come! TLK | Archives |
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My purpose for writing this is not to defend myself, but rather to encourage all who read it to take a closer look into the precious Word of God. You may find, like I did, that over the years, men have tampered with portions of scripture to suit their pagan and political beliefs. Simply research why King James told his translators to misinterpret ekklesia and prayerfully you will understand my point. I offer a free resource that may point you in the right direction in my website. It is interesting to discover how ekklesia (what Jesus really said), was mistranslated as church.
I've examined this verse in nearly twenty translations of the bible. A few Bible translations translate ekklesia as ‘congregation’ or ‘assembly’. These are closer to the actual meaning of ekklesia. However, it is the historical meaning of ekklesia that alerts us to Jesus intent when He used that word. A simple review of the original language of the New Testament reveals that Jesus spoke of building His ekklesia – a word that was known and understood by His disciples and the people of His day. Some have tried to ‘Christianize’ the word ekklesia when in reality, it was a secular word, both in its history and practice. Why is important that we understand this? The model Jesus chose was one with authority. From its Old Testament predecessor word qahal, to the New Testament word ekklesia, what He chose referred to a called-out body for the purpose of conducting official business. In many ways, the ekklesia could be considered a ruling council. The Romans borrowed the concept of ekklesia from the Greeks to the point that many in the earthly days of our Lord considered it to be an arm of the Roman government. Immediately upon declaring that He would build His ekklesia, Jesus promised they would be equipped with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and that they would have full authority to bind and loose on earth what heaven had declared to be lawful or unlawful. In other words, like the secular ekklesia, the Lord’s ekklesia would have authority to activate the policies of heaven into the earth. Like Jesus, I desire to see the Body of Christ empowered to impact their families, their neighborhoods, their cities, state and ultimately the world with the power of Jesus Christ. When I wrote my latest book, Leaving Church Becoming Ekklesia, I was frighteningly aware that I would face those who would reject its message. Rejection is not the issue, failure to accept the Lord’s purpose is the greater tragedy. You must position yourself to not automatically reject what the Lord is doing, and at the same time be wise enough not to just accept anything. Here are four things that can help navigate this path.
I encourage you to study, ask questions, gather with other believers and pray. You will find, that Jesus never said He would build a church. You will find the original language of the New Testament, and historical facts will confirm this fact. What Jesus actually said proves His intent to empower you and send you forth to impact your families, your neighborhoods, your cities, and beyond. I believe Jesus is still building His ekklesia, and He’s doing it with believer like you! Blesssing! TLK
This was driven home to me as I completed the finishing touches on my new book, Leaving Church Becoming Ekklesia. I finished the book, reviewed the new website, the new Facebook page and felt things were ready to go. The next major hurdle was inviting people to ‘Like’ my Facebook page, to click ‘Follow’, and to visit my new website. But I stopped short. I hesitated to make this next move. Why? For a brief moment, I felt surge of fear. I was sobered by the idea that what I have written ventures into uncharted territory. I remembered the backlash I encountered when I first taught about the kingdom, the five-fold ministry gifts, personal prophecy, and deliverance. Once again, I find myself moving into a place that may draw positive and negative theological responses. So, I hesitated ‘starting’ and put the potential of ‘finishing’ in complete jeopardy. Until recently, there has been very little discussion of ekklesia. Most conversation would suggest that ekklesia and church were the same. But history – both biblical and historical proves they are not. This goes to the heart of what Jesus declared at Caesarea Philippi. He never said He would build a ‘church’, He said He would build an ekklesia, which is far different from what we know as ‘church’. The implications to the Body of Christ is enormous. This is the foundation of what I have written. So, with this blog, I start. The fact that you are reading this is proof that I have started. Where is the ‘finish’? Finish is when you are introduced to ekklesia. Whether through my new book, Leaving CHURCH Becoming EKKLESIA, or from the many others around the country who are beginning to declare what ekklesia is, and its importance to all believers. The understanding of ekklesia is rising. I have started the journey, and you can establish the place of finish. When you realize the power Jesus Christ entrusted to His ekklesia, you will be well underway to seeing the kingdoms of the world, becoming the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15). Take a few moments and go through The Ekklesia Center website.
Jesus is still building His ekklesia with believers like you! TLK
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