When Did Jesus First Mention the Church?

Jesus first mentions the Church in Matthew 16:18, during a conversation with His disciples in Caesarea Philippi. In response to Peter’s declaration of faith, Jesus declares that He will build His Church on this foundation. This moment emphasizes the Church as a spiritual community, resilient and mission-oriented, tasked with spreading His message. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover.

Have you ever wondered when Jesus first talked about the Church?

The idea of the Church, as a community of believers, is central to Christianity.

But when did this concept first come up in Jesus’ teachings?

Let’s dive into the Gospels and explore the moment when Jesus introduced this significant idea.

The First Mention: Matthew 16:18

The very first time Jesus mentions the Church is in the Gospel of Matthew.

The context is crucial, so let’s set the scene.

Jesus is with His disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi, a place known for its diverse religious practices and pagan temples.

Here, Jesus poses a profound question to His disciples:

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13, NIV).

The disciples respond with various answers, reflecting the opinions of the people: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. But Jesus presses further, asking them directly:

“But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15, NIV).

Simon Peter, often the spokesperson for the group, makes a bold declaration:

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16, NIV).

It’s in response to this confession that Jesus first mentions the Church:

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18, NIV).

The Significance of This Statement

This moment is loaded with meaning.

Jesus acknowledges Peter’s declaration of faith and uses it as a foundation for what’s to come.

The name Peter means ‘rock’ in Greek, and Jesus plays on this word, indicating that Peter’s faith is the solid foundation upon which the Church will be built.

Peter’s Role: Jesus appoints Peter as a key figure in the early Church.

His faith and leadership will be crucial as the Church begins to grow.

The Church’s Foundation: The Church is built on the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

This confession of faith is the cornerstone.

Victory Over Death: Jesus promises that the Church will withstand even the powers of death (the gates of Hades).

This speaks to the eternal nature and resilience of the Church.

What Is the Church?

Before we delve further, it’s important to understand what Jesus meant by ‘church.’

The Greek word used here is ekklesia, which means a gathering or assembly.

In the New Testament context, it refers to the community of believers in Christ.

This concept was new; Jesus wasn’t talking about a physical building but a spiritual community.

Characteristics of the Church

From Jesus’ teachings and the writings of the New Testament, we can identify several key characteristics of the Church:

Community of Believers: The Church is a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ and follow His teachings.
Body of Christ: Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head. Each member plays a vital role (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Place of Worship: While initially, the Church met in homes, it soon became a place for communal worship, prayer, and teaching (Acts 2:42-47).
Mission-Oriented: The Church is tasked with spreading the Gospel and serving others, following Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus’ Vision for the Church

Jesus’ mention of the Church isn’t a one-off statement.

He envisioned a community that would carry His message to the ends of the earth.

This vision is reflected in His teachings and interactions with His disciples.

The Great Commission

After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and gives them a final command, often referred to as the Great Commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV).

Here, Jesus lays out the mission of the Church:

Evangelism: The Church is to spread the message of Jesus to all nations.
Discipleship: Believers are to be nurtured and taught to follow Jesus’ teachings.
Baptism: The Church administers the sacrament of baptism, symbolizing the entry into the community of believers.

The Power of Unity

In His prayer in John 17, Jesus prays for the unity of His followers:

“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” (John 17:20-21, NIV).

Jesus emphasizes that the unity of believers will be a testimony to the world of His divine mission.

The Church is called to reflect this unity and love, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s message.

The Early Church in Action

The Book of Acts provides a vivid picture of how the early Church put Jesus’ vision into practice.

Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles began to preach boldly, and the Church grew rapidly.

Key Activities of the Early Church

Teaching and Preaching: The apostles shared the teachings of Jesus and the good news of His resurrection (Acts 2:42).
Fellowship and Community: Believers gathered regularly for prayer, breaking bread, and supporting one another (Acts 2:44-47).
Service and Outreach: The early Church was known for its generosity and care for the needy, living out Jesus’ command to love one another (Acts 4:32-35).

Conclusion: The Church’s Enduring Legacy

Jesus’ first mention of the Church in Matthew 16:18 wasn’t just a passing comment.

It was a foundational declaration that set the stage for the global community of believers that continues to grow and thrive today.

The Church, as envisioned by Jesus, is a vibrant, resilient, and mission-driven community, united by faith and committed to spreading His message of love and salvation.

So, when you think about the Church, remember it’s not just a building or an institution.

It’s a living, breathing community of people who believe in and follow Jesus Christ, carrying forward His mission to make disciples of all nations.

FAQs About When Jesus First Mentioned the Church

1. When did Jesus first mention the Church?

Jesus first mentioned the Church in Matthew 16:18 during a conversation with His disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi.

He said to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

2. What does the term ‘Church’ mean in the context of Jesus’ teachings?

The term ‘Church’ comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which means a gathering or assembly.

In Jesus’ context, it refers to the community of believers who follow Him, not a physical building.

3. Why did Jesus choose Peter to be the foundation of the Church?

Jesus chose Peter because of his strong declaration of faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of the living God.

This confession of faith became the foundational belief upon which the Church would be built.

4. What is the significance of Jesus saying the gates of Hades will not overcome the Church?

Jesus’ statement that the gates of Hades will not overcome the Church signifies that the Church will prevail over death and evil.

It highlights the enduring and invincible nature of the Church through God’s power.

5. How did the early Church live out Jesus’ vision?

The early Church, as described in the Book of Acts, engaged in teaching, fellowship, prayer, breaking bread together, and caring for the needy.

They were committed to spreading Jesus’ teachings and supporting each other in faith.

6. What is the Great Commission and how does it relate to the Church?

The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands (Matthew 28:19-20).

This mission forms the core purpose of the Church—to spread the Gospel and nurture believers.

7. How does the Church today reflect the early Church’s practices?

Today’s Church reflects the early Church’s practices through worship services, teaching, community support, evangelism, and service to others.

Many churches also engage in missionary work and outreach programs to fulfill the Great Commission.

8. What role does unity play in the Church according to Jesus?

In His prayer in John 17, Jesus emphasized the importance of unity among His followers.

He prayed that believers would be one, as He and the Father are one.

This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of Jesus’ divine mission and the truth of His message.

9. What are the main activities and characteristics of the Church according to the New Testament?

The New Testament describes the Church as a community of believers who:

Gather for worship and teaching.
Participate in fellowship and communal support.
Engage in prayer and the sacraments (like baptism and communion).
Serve others and spread the Gospel.
Live out their faith through acts of love and generosity.

10. Why is the Church considered the ‘Body of Christ’?

The Apostle Paul describes the Church as the ‘Body of Christ’ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

This metaphor illustrates that the Church is made up of many members with different roles, all working together, with Jesus as the head.

It emphasizes the unity and diversity within the Church.

11. How did Jesus’ mention of the Church set the stage for its growth?

Jesus’ mention of the Church laid the foundation for a community built on faith in Him as the Messiah.

His teachings, along with the apostles’ leadership and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, propelled the early Church to grow rapidly and spread His message worldwide.

12. How can individuals today be part of the Church that Jesus talked about?

Individuals can be part of the Church by:

Believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Participating in a local community of believers.
Engaging in worship, learning, and service within the Church.
Living out their faith by following Jesus’ teachings and spreading the Gospel.

13. What can we learn from Jesus’ introduction of the Church?

From Jesus’ introduction of the Church, we learn about the importance of faith in Him as the foundation of a strong community.

We see the value of unity, mission, and the promise that the Church will endure against all odds.

It reminds us that being part of the Church means being part of a living, active, and resilient community of believers.