How did the Concept of Church Start?

The concept of the Church in Christianity originates from the New Testament, where it is referred to as both an assembly of believers and the body of Christ. The Church’s foundational purpose is depicted in various roles: as a community for worship and fellowship, a means of salvation and sanctification, and as a vehicle for the mission and teaching of Jesus Christ. The early Christians gathered for worship, teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread, as described in Acts 2:42-47, under the guidance of the apostles. This gathering was not merely a human initiative but was seen as instituted by Christ himself, with Jesus’ declaration to Peter in Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” often cited as the biblical foundation for the establishment of the Church.

Relevant Bible Verses:

1. Matthew 16:18 (ESV): “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
2. Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
3. Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV): “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Three Main Takeaways:

1. The Church as Christ’s Foundation: The Church is founded on the confession of Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and it is established by Christ himself as a community that would withstand all challenges (Matthew 16:18).
2. Community and Fellowship: The early Church modeled a community of believers devoted to teaching, fellowship, communal living, and prayer, emphasizing the importance of unity and love among Christians (Acts 2:42-47).
3. Spiritual Growth and Unity: The Church serves as the body of Christ, with each member contributing to the growth and edification of the whole, aiming for unity in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).