Did Jesus Mention the Word "Church"?

Jesus explicitly mentions “church” (Greek: “ekklesia”) twice in the Gospels, emphasizing a community of believers rather than a physical structure. He envisions a dynamic, loving community united in faith and mission, as seen in the early church and Paul’s teachings. The church today reflects this vision, transcending buildings to embody shared faith. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover.

When we dive into the teachings of Jesus, we encounter profound wisdom, practical guidance, and spiritual insights.

But if you’re curious about whether Jesus mentioned the word “church,” you might be surprised by what you find.

This exploration will answer that question, highlighting the context and significance of Jesus’ references to “church” in the Gospels.

Jesus and the Church: What’s in a Word?

The term “church” might seem ubiquitous in Christian discourse today, but did Jesus himself use this word?

The answer is yes, but not as frequently as you might think.

The Greek Word “Ekklesia”

The word “church” in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “assembly” or “gathering.”

It’s essential to understand that “ekklesia” wasn’t originally a religious term.

In ancient Greece, it referred to a political assembly of citizens.

However, in the New Testament, it took on a new meaning, representing the community of believers.

Jesus’ Specific Mentions of the Church

Jesus explicitly uses the word “church” (ekklesia) only twice in the Gospels, both times in the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 16:18: In a significant moment with his disciple Peter, Jesus says, “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.”

Here, Jesus is talking about the foundation of the church, symbolized by Peter’s faith and confession that Jesus is the Messiah.

Matthew 18:17: In a discourse about resolving conflicts within the community, Jesus instructs, “If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

This passage emphasizes the church’s role in maintaining order and community discipline.

The Context of Jesus’ Mentions

In both instances, Jesus is not referring to a physical building but to a community of believers united in faith and purpose.

His vision of the church is not about structures or institutions but about people coming together in His name.

The Early Church: A Community of Believers

While Jesus laid the foundation for the concept of the church, it’s the early followers who expanded it into the form we recognize today.

The Church in Acts

The Book of Acts vividly describes the early church’s formation after Jesus’ ascension.

Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of believers devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

They met in homes and public spaces, forming a tight-knit community that supported one another spiritually and materially.

Paul’s Contributions

The Apostle Paul played a crucial role in shaping the early church.

His letters to various congregations—like those in Corinth, Ephesus, and Galatia—offer guidance on church leadership, worship, and community life.

Paul’s vision of the church was as the “body of Christ,” where every member has a unique role and purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

The Church as a Living Organism

When Jesus spoke of building His church, He was envisioning a dynamic, living organism rather than a static institution.

This perspective aligns with the concept of the church as the “body of Christ.”

Unity and Diversity

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul writes, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.”

This metaphor highlights the church’s unity in diversity, where each believer contributes to the whole.

Love as the Church’s Foundation

Central to the church’s life is the command to love one another.

Jesus emphasized this in John 13:34-35:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

Love binds the church together and is its greatest testimony to the world.

The Church’s Mission: Carrying Forward Jesus’ Work

The church isn’t just a community for its own sake. It has a mission to continue Jesus’ work on earth.

The Great Commission

Before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples a mandate known as the Great Commission.

In Matthew 28:19-20, He commands,

“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.”

This mission is central to the church’s identity and purpose.

Being Salt and Light

Jesus also described His followers as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16).

The church’s role is to preserve and illuminate, bringing the message of God’s kingdom to every corner of society.

Modern Reflections: What Does “Church” Mean Today?

Today, the concept of the church encompasses a broad spectrum of expressions—from grand cathedrals to small home gatherings.

But at its core, the church remains a community of believers committed to following Jesus.

The Church Beyond Buildings

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that the church isn’t confined to buildings.

Online services, virtual gatherings, and community outreach have shown that the church’s essence is found in its people and their shared faith, not in physical spaces.

Challenges and Opportunities

The modern church faces numerous challenges, from cultural shifts to internal divisions.

However, these challenges also present opportunities to reimagine and reinvigorate what it means to be the church in today’s world.

Embracing diversity, fostering authentic community, and pursuing justice and mercy are ways the church can stay true to Jesus’ original vision.

Conclusion: The Church Jesus Envisioned

So, did Jesus mention the word “church”? Y

es, He did, but His vision was far more expansive than a mere word.

Jesus spoke of a community built on faith, love, and a shared mission.

The church He envisioned was a vibrant, dynamic organism, a gathering of believers united in purpose and love.

As we navigate our own journey of faith, let’s remember that we are part of this ongoing story.

Whether in small groups or large congregations, in person or online, the essence of the church remains the same: a community of followers committed to living out Jesus’ teachings and sharing His love with the world.

FAQs: Did Jesus Mention the Word “Church”?

1. Did Jesus actually use the word “church” in His teachings?

Yes, Jesus used the word “church” (translated from the Greek word “ekklesia”) in the Gospels.

He mentioned it specifically in two passages: Matthew 16:18, where He speaks about building His church on the rock of Peter’s confession, and Matthew 18:17, where He talks about handling conflicts within the community.

2. What does the Greek word “ekklesia” mean?

“Ekklesia” originally meant “assembly” or “gathering” and was used in ancient Greek to refer to a political assembly of citizens.

In the New Testament, it took on a new meaning, representing the community of believers in Jesus Christ.

3. How often did Jesus mention the word “church” in the Gospels?

Jesus explicitly mentioned the word “church” only twice in the Gospels, both in the book of Matthew (Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 18:17).

4. What did Jesus mean when He talked about the church?

When Jesus spoke about the church, He referred to a community of believers rather than a physical building or institution.

His vision of the church was about people united in faith, living out His teachings, and supporting one another.

5. How did the early church form after Jesus’ ascension?

The early church formed after Jesus’ ascension, as described in the Book of Acts. Believers gathered for teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

They met in homes and public spaces, creating a close-knit community that shared resources and supported each other.

6. What role did the Apostle Paul play in shaping the early church?

The Apostle Paul was instrumental in shaping the early church.

His letters to various Christian communities provided guidance on leadership, worship, and community life.

He emphasized the concept of the church as the “body of Christ,” where each member has a unique and valuable role.

7. What is the significance of the church being called the “body of Christ”?

The “body of Christ” metaphor highlights the church’s unity and diversity.

Each believer is a part of this body, contributing uniquely to its function and purpose.

This concept emphasizes that every member of the church is important and has a role to play.

8. What mission did Jesus give to the church?

Jesus gave the church the mission of the Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20.

He instructed His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.

This mission remains central to the church’s identity and purpose.

9. How can the church today stay true to Jesus’ vision?

To stay true to Jesus’ vision, the church today can focus on fostering genuine community, embracing diversity, and committing to acts of love and service.

Whether through small groups, online gatherings, or traditional services, the essence of the church lies in its people and their shared faith.

10. Is the church only about physical gatherings in buildings?

No, the church is not limited to physical buildings.

The essence of the church is the community of believers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the church can thrive in various forms, including online services and virtual gatherings.

11. What are some modern challenges the church faces?

The modern church faces challenges such as cultural shifts, internal divisions, and the need to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

However, these challenges also present opportunities to reimagine and strengthen the church’s role in society.

12. How can individuals contribute to the church today?

Individuals can contribute to the church by participating in community life, serving others, and living out the teachings of Jesus.

Whether through volunteer work, attending services, or simply supporting fellow believers, everyone has a role in building up the church.