Okay! The basic gist of this passage is quite simple. But I have a question. In v.17 Jesus uses the word "church."

Understanding that THE CHURCH didn't begin until pentacost, what is he refering to here?

I understand the word is EKKLESIA, meaning "called out ones." The word was used to refer to citizens called to discuss afaris of the state (Acts 19:39). It is also used to refer to the body of Christ, corporate, as well as individual congregations.

But, since "the church" hadn't come into existence yet, what was Jesus refering to? Was he speaking of future discipline matters that would take place once "the church" began? Or something else?

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Answers

Response to Matthew 15:-18

TITLE OF THIS THREAD SHOULD READ:

MATTHEW 18:15-18

FEEL FREE TO MAKE THE CHANGE, DUANE OR DANNY!

:)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

I fixed it

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Darrell

What did I do now that the citizens of Illinois would be called out to discuss me?

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

Yeah -- it shoud read "affairs of state." Sorry Faris :)

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

Darrell....

Jesus also used the word "church" in Matthew 16...concerning it's establishment and basis of existence...i.e., the confession of Jesus as the Christ.

I do not think it unreasonable to assume that Jesus is speaking, prophetically, if you will. In fact....everything Jesus did pointed to the establishment of His church....eg. the preaching of the Kingdom at hand...the establishment of the Lord's Supper...just to name a few.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

I agree with the previous response. Also, it is not generally accepted today that the etymological origin of the word (called out) still inheres in the term. Its basic meaning is assembly, and the context will determine its meaning. Acts will use it for a political assembly, for example, aside from its Christian meaning.

Jesus always acting with his mission in view: to assemble God's people in a community of believers that glorify the Father through their message and life. Every teacher, preacher, and missionary will be concerned to not only make disciples, but to also "connect" them into the one Body of Christ.

Blessings,
Randal Matheny
Cloud Couplets

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2001