Paul's Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology)

Question 1

Basic Ecclesiology

Answer 1

• Paul gives us a real understanding of what the church is and how a church is to operate
• Greek word for church originally means called-out ones, however it is used for any group, secular or sacred.
• Theologically it is tied to the people of God, and is used by Stephen for tribal Israel.

Question 2

Various ways church can be used

Answer 2

• A church meeting
• A house church
• The church of a region
• The church universal. This includes all the righteous from Adam till now
• Catholic; universal
• Don’t say we are going to church, say “we are going to be with the church”
• Auditorium, not sanctuary
• Praise, not worship

Question 3

Paul & The church

Answer 3

• notice Paul didn’t persecute ‘a church’ he persecuted ‘the church’
• other metaphors include household, temple, a body, a marriage, etc.
• The church will always have problems, and problem individuals, but it is the greatest institution ever devised and it is Christ’s bride
• Cynicism is not a gift of the Spirit
• Be supportive of the church
• Forbearance is an important word in Paul’s mind