I'd like to remind the readers that
not every mention of the word
"ekklesia [G1577]" refers to "the Church
WHICH IS HIS BODY" [Eph1:20-23
WHEN (as to its existence)]... for example, the following passage uses
that same word [G1577] in vv.32,39,41 (translated "assembly" in this version, below):
Acts 19 -
The Riot in Ephesus
21 Now after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, having said, “After my having been there, it behooves me to see Rome also.”
22 And having sent two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he remained for a time in Asia.
23 Now at the same time no small disturbance arose concerning the Way.
24 For a certain silversmith named Demetrius, making silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen,
25 whom having brought together along with the workmen in such things, he said, “Men, you know that from this business is our wealth.
26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but almost all of Asia, this Paul, having persuaded
them, has turned away a great many people, saying that they are not gods which have been made by hands.
27 Now not only is this business to us endangered to come into disrepute, but also for the temple of the great goddess Artemis to be reckoned for nothing, and also her majesty to be deposed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”
28 And having heard, and having become full of rage, they were crying out saying, “Great
is Artemis of
the Ephesians.”
29 And the whole city was filled with confusion, and with one accord they rushed to the theatre, having dragged off Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, fellow travelers of Paul.
30 But of Paul intending to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him.
31 And also some of the Asiarchs being friends to him, having sent to him, were urging him not to venture into the theatre.
32 So some indeed were crying out one thing; others
another. For the
assembly [G1577 - ekklesia] was confused, and most did not know for what cause they were assembled.
33 Now out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people.
34 But having recognized that he is a Jew, there was one cry from all, ongoing about two hours, crying out, “Great
is Artemis of
the Ephesians.”
35 Then having calmed the crowd, the town clerk says, “Men, Ephesians, what man is there indeed who does not know the city of
the Ephesians as being temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of that fallen from the sky?
36 Therefore these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you to be calm and to do nothing rash.
37 For you brought these men, neither temple plunderers nor blaspheming our goddess.
38 So if indeed Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, courts are conducted, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another.
39 But if you inquire anything beyond this, it will be solved in the lawful
assembly [G1577 - ekklesia].
40 And indeed, we are in danger of being accused of insurrection in regard to this day, there existing not one cause concerning which we will be able to give a reason for this commotion.”
41 And having said these things, he dismissed the
assembly [G1577 - ekklesia].
And just because "the church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:35-43, esp v.38) has the word
"church [G1577 - ekklesia]," this does NOT mean that it is "the Church
WHICH IS HIS BODY" [ALL those saved "
in this present age [SINGULAR]"... there was no "BODY" in existence before the "HEAD" (again, see Eph1:20-23 [
WHEN (as to its existence)];
and note the
distinctions I've brought out in past posts (these are NOT the SAME, but DISTINCT): "
FROM [apo] the foundation of the world" and "
BEFORE [pro] the foundation of the world"...
I hear ppl all the time conflating these two, by saying (re: Jesus' death) "slain FROM BEFORE the foundation"...
No. It is only ONE of these that is correct/biblical, when it comes to THIS aspect (of His "SLAIN" issue). Check out WHICH ONE.
.…as the TWO PHRASES are distinct, each encompassing distinct issues/items!]
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