What does Ekklesia means?
It is from two Greek words, Ek means out, and Kaleo means to call out. (Strong, G1537, G2564). It means to be called out and assembled for a purpose. The word Ekklesia first occurs in the 5th century (500 years) before Christ. Again, it was a political term, not a religious term. It is a word describing those with the final say in Greek government. The definition of Ekklesia in classic Greek “is an assembly of citizens summoned by the town crier to legislative assemble at the gate.”
The gate of course, is for people of authority set? it would be like where our city building is for the mayor and the city council do business. It's where our governors, senators, and Washington D.C. would be called the gate of the United States. In Bible days, citizens 18 years of age and up could answer a call together or symbol to pass legislation, always buy up raise hand.
Colin Brown state in the New International dictionary of New Testament Theology, volume 3. “The Ekklesia denotes in the usage of antiquity the popular assembly of competent full citizens of a city. It meets at regular intervals but could also be called quickly in case of emergency.” The Ekklesia sphere of competence included:
A. Decision on suggested laws and final decisions on new laws.
The final decision, a law of all laws, were left to be Ekklesia don't think Jesus didn't know what he was talking about. “My church is to have the final decisions on laws in the nation or region. He said it, not me!
B. Appointments to official positions.
Voting was for magistrates, or for those who held an office. It was the Ekklesia’s responsibility to vote for those who held office.
C. Both internal and external policies in the region includes contracts, treaties, wars and peace, and financial matters for the region.
They were all decided by the Ekklesia. It is not conceivable that Jesus didn't know what the word Ekklesia meant when he used it. He understood it very well.
D. The Ekklesia would rule on cases of treason.
If someone was involved in treason, they will be brought before the Ekklesia, and they would vote and decide their guilt or innocence.
Jesus said. “My Ekklesia is to set the culture standard for a region.” He understood what He meant. The Ekklesia are chose by upraised hands, who was sit at the gates. This similar to our Supreme court today.
The Ekklesia was not the High Court. It was the assemble of the people, but it decided who would be on the High Court. Some citizens were required to attend the Ekklesia, but many more were not. Their presence was voluntary. The decision of government was up to those who answered the call to assemble and rule. That's why I have taught for years in favor of voting in election. It is our responsibility commanded by our king. To be responsible for who sits on the court. Biblical, voting is a responsibility. If you are a Christian, raise your hand and make a decision. Nothing secret. Raise your hand and be seen. Publicly decided.
This is very insightful because the people in the media are the ones who are spinning the new philosophies. The media now trying to decide who holds office positions and who sits on the Supreme Court. The media promotes godless ways and is telling the church to be quiet. They have stolen the authority and we can't stand for it.
The apostle Paul was so concerned about the culture conditions and the idol worship in Athens that he went and preached a sermon. According to Acts 17:22-23 (MSG translation).
Acts 17:22-23, “So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with.”
The apostle Paul did not stay out of the judicial system. He exercised his God-given authority to speak into it. He raised his hands, He said, let me tell you about the unknown God. Let me tell you that the philosophers that you are are listening are godless. Let me encourage you to change your ways. He preached a message at the high court, calling them out for their godless laws. It’s probably why he got beat up, but he did it.
