Together - Daily DevotionalSample

The EKKLESIA assembly

Reading: Acts 19:23-41

Key Verses: “he called them together” v.25 “he dismissed the assembly” v.41

The NT was written in the common Greek language of the day and contained words and expressions which were in general usage. If we can understand the original meaning of specific words in their own culture, it can help us understand the spiritual truth and impact of its meaning for us today. The English word, “church” is a translation of the Greek word, “EKKLESIA”.  In Acts 19 “EKKLESIA” is used in its original secular context.

Paul ‘s teaching in Ephesus had caused the economic collapse of the trade in silver shrines of the goddess Artemis. One silversmith called Demetrius decided to form a protest group to expel Paul from the city and restore their fortunes. Note that he called together the workmen out of their places of work into a group for that purpose. The word used in the NIV three times to describe this group is “assembly” which is “EKKLESIA” and elsewhere in the NT is translated “church”.

We can think of the church as an assembly of people who are called out to be together for a purpose. The English football manager calls out players from their own clubs to be together for the purpose of winning the World Cup!

Prayer: Thank You Lord that You have called me out to be together with others in the purposes of Your church and winning others to Christ