THE   CHURCH

The word “Church” comes from the greek word “Ekklesia” which means “called out from” or the assembly of citizens summoned by the herald for discussion and decision making on public affairs. It’s at the moment when JESUS was about to end His mission on earth that He used this word, because He intended to establish His disciples in His own system which is not of the world; John 17:14. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

It’s in this mindset that He speaks to Peter in Matthew 16:17-19: “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar–jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

This is the first time JESUS pronounced the word “Church”. However, JESUS didn’t call the small community that followed Him “the Church” yet. He assembled many people around Him who recognized Him as “Master”, having the same faith in His Word, except Judas Iscariot who later became a traitor.

Extract.MOG.NestorToukea22-25/12/2011