Ecclesia (church)
Research the Metaphor “Church” (ecclesia): follow this sequence.
Look at all the places in the Bible where “ecclesia” (church) is found.
What do you see regarding how is the term used in each passage?
What do you see regarding how the context in each passage informs the meaning “church?”
Research what scholars say regarding “ecclesia” (church).
“Ecclesia?” in the TDNT (The Theological dictionary of the New Testament). What insights are there regarding the term in other literature and time periods?
Look up “ecclesia in 2 or 3 Bible Encyclopedias. What insights do they suggest?
Written Assignment: 3-5 pages
Discuss how the word is used in various passages of scripture. You can create categories of passages that are similar and just list the references to all the similar passages in a footnote. You do not need to write about every passage. But you do need to write on every passage that presents a helpful nuance.
Discuss what insights both Bible Commentaries and Bible Encyclopedias provide. Cite your sources with footnotes.
Discuss how it is used in other literature and ancient time periods.
Now step back and consider the richness of “ecclesia.” Drawing upon what you have already written but also going beyond that, really unpack the richness of this metaphor.
What color, shades of meaning, and richness does the word / phrase provide for our understanding?
What does the word or phrase say and what does it not say? Can we press the metaphor beyond its intended meaning?
