What Is The Church?

“On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

- Matthew 16:18

In the New Testament, the word “church” is translated from the Greek word ekklesia and is used 114 times.

The word first appears in Matthew, but only three times in all of the Gospels. Ekklesia can refer to believers in the universal body of Christ; however, New Testament use primarily refers to local gatherings of believers.

The Apostle Paul used the term prolifically when writing letters addressed to specific assemblies or church leaders in particular places. Similarly, the Apostle John’s apocalyptic revelation addresses seven churches in Asia.